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Bird Flu or Avian Influenza

What You Need to Know about Bird Flu or Avian Influenza

Bird flu, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), is caused by the H5N1 virus, which has infected wild birds for decades. In March 2024, the first H5N1 influenza outbreak in dairy cows was detected in the U.S. Since then, H5N1 infection in dairy cows has become widespread and over 900 dairy herds in 16 states are affected. Outbreaks in commercial poultry have been detected in 50 states. H5N1 infection of backyard flocks has also been reported. As of January 14, 2025, H5N1 infection was detected in snow geese in Delaware, a commercial poultry farm in Caroline County, Maryland, and a commercial poultry farm in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland.

People and pets can become infected when they are directly exposed to infected animals. Human infections with the H5N1 virus can happen when virus gets into a person's eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. Currently, there are 67 confirmed reported human cases of H5N1 avian influenza in the U.S. Most of the affected individuals had mild disease. However, one person had severe disease that required intensive care hospitalization, and unfortunately, this individual passed away.

At this time, the general public’s risk of getting bird flu remains low. However, dairy workers, poultry workers, individuals who handle animals, individuals who work with backyard flocks and bird hunters are at increased risk and should take the following precautions:

  • Wear personal protective equipment when in direct or close contact (within six feet) to wild or domesticated animals or animal litter. This means wearing disposable gloves, respiratory protection (preferably an N-95 mask), safety goggles, fluid resistant coveralls, boots, and boot covers.
  • Don’t walk through or drive trucks, tractors, or equipment in areas where waterfowl or other wildlife feces may be. If you can’t avoid this, clean your shoes, vehicle, and equipment thoroughly to prevent bringing the virus back to your flock.
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling animals (cows, poultry, backyard flocks) or cleaning surfaces or equipment that may have been contaminated with the virus.
  • Monitor your health and watch for any of the following symptoms: red eyes (conjunctivitis), mild flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, muscle or body aches, headaches, difficulty breathing, fatigue, or diarrhea.
  • Report suspected sick birds by calling the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5810.

The risk of bird flu for the general public at this time is low. Here’s what the general public can do to further reduce your risk of getting bird flu:

  • Avoid exposure to sick or dead animals.
  • Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk.
  • Cook eggs, poultry and beef to a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses.
  • Report suspected sick birds by calling the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5810.

If you think you may have been exposed to suspected infected animals and you become ill with the symptoms previously described, you should:

  • Seek medical attention and inform medical provider about your symptoms and exposure to birds or cattle
  • Stay home and stay away from others until your medical provider states that you can return to work or school.
  • Your medical provider may prescribe medication to treat you. It is important for you to take this medication as instructed and complete your treatment

For general information on bird flu, please visit the following resources
https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/virus-transmission/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/signs-symptoms/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/caring/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/data-map-commercial.html

For information on how poultry or cattle small business owners can protect themselves from bird flu, please visit the following links:

Avian Influenza in Poultry Flocks

Guidance for Employers to Reduce Exposure to Avian Influenza Viruses for People Working with Animals

Information for workers who may have been exposed to the H5N1 Bird Flu.

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