Avian influenza (bird flu) viruses are flu type A viruses that circulate in wild aquatic birds. But, this virus can infect domestic poultry as well as other birds and animals. Bird flu viruses don't usually infect people, although some cases have occurred. When a human is infected with the bird flu, symptoms can vary from mild to severe illness leading to death.
Symptoms:
Human illnesses caused by avian influenza range in severity from asymptomatic infections (no symptoms) to severe illness leading to death.
- Fever or feeling feverish
- Eye redness (conjunctivitis)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Seizures
Transmission:
Bird flu infects the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts in wild and domestic birds and is present in the saliva, mucus and feces of infected birds. Mammals can be infected with H5N1 bird flu viruses when they eat infected birds or other animals; or if they are exposed to environments contaminated with the virus. Recently, spread of avian influenza A(H5N1) has happened between cows in the same herd, from cows to poultry, and between herds of dairy cows. Humans may be infected if the bird flu virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth. People with close or prolonged unprotected contact with infected birds or animals are at greater risk of infection. The spread of bird flu viruses from person to person is very rare.
Prevention for the General Public:
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid sources of exposure. Whenever possible, the general public should avoid direct contact with wild birds. Even if they do not appear ill, wild birds may still be infected with the Bird Flu. Domestic poultry and dairy cows are susceptible to the currently circulating bird flu virus, influenza A(H5N1). People should avoid unprotected contact with domestic birds or dairy cattle that are sick or are suspected to have bird flu virus infection and not touch surfaces that can be contaminated with saliva, mucus, feces, litter, raw milk, or other materials that are contaminated by infected birds or cattle. People should not prepare or eat uncooked or undercooked food or related uncooked food products, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk, or raw cheeses, from animals with suspected or confirmed bird flu.
Prevention for People with Job Related Contact with Birds and Dairy Cattle:
Be aware of the risk of exposure to bird flu viruses and take proper precautions. People with work or recreational exposures to bird flu virus-infected animals may be at increased risk of infection and should follow recommended precautions. Unprotected exposures to any infected animal or to an environment in which infected birds or other animals are or have been present can pose a risk of infection. To reduce the risk of HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection, poultry farmers and poultry workers, backyard bird flock owners, livestock farmers and workers, veterinarians and veterinary staff, and emergency responders should avoid unprotected direct physical contact or close exposure to sick or deceased birds or cattle, feces, litter, raw milk, or surfaces and water sources that may be contaminated with animal excretions. People with job related contact to birds or dairy cattle should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when in direct or close physical contact with sources of bird flu virus. Recommended PPE includes: disposable or non-disposable fluid resistant coveralls, an N95 respirator, properly-fitted unvented or indirectly vented safety goggles or face shield, rubber boots or rubber boot covers with sealed seams that can be sanitized or disposable boot covers for tasks taking a short amount of time, disposable or non-disposable head cover or hair cover, and disposable or non-disposable gloves. When wearing PPE: Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after contact with any contaminated material. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or use the bathroom while wearing PPE. Use separate designated clean areas for applying and removing PPE.
Discard disposable PPE after use and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Prevention for Hunters or Other People Who Come into Contact with Birds:
Owners of backyard or hobbyist flocks should report sick birds or bird deaths to the West Virginia State Veterinarian at 304-558-2214 or by contacting the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) at 1-866-536-7593. Bird owners should practice good biosecurity and prevent wild birds from coming into contact with domestic poultry. If you suspect your flock has been infected with the bird flu, do not touch litter or feces, sick or dead birds, or other surfaces that can be contaminated with the feces, saliva, or mucus of sick birds without PPE. Always wear PPE around sick or dead birds and discard disposable PPE after use, then wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. While depopulating and cleaning the enclosure avoid stirring up dust to limit dispersal of the virus into the air. If bird flu is confirmed in your flock, the USDA recommends you continue to wear PPE in contaminated areas until all infected birds, litter, eggs, and feces have been removed. Further recommendations for PPE use depend on whether a 150-day fallow is used after the flock is depopulated. Hunters should dress game birds in the field while wearing PPE to prevent any potential disease spread. Wear gloves, an N95 respirator or a well-fitting facemask, and eye protection when dressing birds. Disposable PPE should be thrown away after use then wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Information for People Exposed to Bird Flu viruses.
General Public and Recreational Exposure to Birds:
If you have unprotected contact with a sick or dead bird and become ill, contact your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can work with your local health department to coordinate testing if there is a concern for Bird Flu infection. People who become sick within 10 days of their exposure to infected birds should not go to school or work and should distance themselves from their household members until it has been determined that they do not have bird flu virus infection and have recovered from their illness.
For People with Job-Related Contact with Birds or other animals:
Your local health department may contact you about your exposure to infected birds or dairy cattle. You may be asked to self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days following your last exposure. If you develop symptoms during the 10 days from your last exposure, notify your local health department right away, don't go to work, and stay away from other people in your household. The local health department will help you get free bird flu testing through the state public health laboratory.
Click here for Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Avian Influenza A Viruses in People.