H5N1 Bird Flu
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza A (H5N1) or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), is caused by a virus that can cause serious illness and death in birds and mammals. Human infections with bird flu viruses are rare, but they can happen when the virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or when inhaled. The virus can be found in the feces (manure), unpasteurized or “raw” milk, egg or poultry products, mucous and saliva of infected animals. The virus may also be transmitted through the air via eyes, nose, mouth, and breathing. Bird flu outbreaks have been reported in wild birds, poultry, dairy cattle, and other animals in several states, including California.
What are the symptoms?
People infected with bird flu can have one or more of these symptoms: eye redness (conjunctivitis), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, trouble breathing, and fever. Bird flu can be serious and lead to hospitalization and/or death. However, the majority of infected persons so far in California have had mild illness.
Who is at risk?
The current risk to the public is low. At this time, there have not been any reports of person-to-person transmission. People who work in occupations that risk of exposure to infected animals should use protective gear to reduce the risk of getting bird flu. Those at risk of possible infection include:
- Dairy workers, especially those working with infected dairy cattle or unpasteurized or “raw” dairy products.
- Poultry workers, or those working with infected poultry, poultry products, or eggs. This may include those with backyard poultry flocks.
- Slaughterhouse workers, especially from facilities that process poultry or dairy cattle.
- Veterinarians, especially those working with ill dairy cattle or poultry.
- Those who have come in contact with wild birds.
Is milk safe?
Pasteurized milk and milk products are safe for consumption. Pasteurization is a process in which milk is heated to kill bacteria and viruses, including avian influenza A viruses (H5N1). As an added precaution, and according to longstanding state and federal requirements, milk from sick cows is not permitted in the public milk supply.
