Frequently Asked Questions About Avian Flu
1. What is avian flu?
Avian flu, also called H5N1 influenza or bird flu, is a disease caused by certain flu viruses that usually spread between birds, not people. Infected birds can spread the virus through their mucous, saliva, or feces. People rarely get avian flu, but when they do, it is most often through direct unprotected contact (no gloves, protective wear, facemasks, respirators, or eye protection) with infected birds.
2. How is avian flu spread?
People can become infected by breathing in droplets of the virus from the air or by touching surfaces contaminated with infected bird mucous, saliva, or feces and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose.
Avian flu viruses are very different from human seasonal influenza viruses and therefore, people have very little pre-existing immunity to these viruses. Avian influenza viruses have the potential to cause a pandemic in people if they were to gain the ability to more easily infect and spread effectively between people. Currently, no avian flu virus has gained the ability to spread easily among people.
3. Can people catch avian flu?
Although avian flu viruses usually do not infect people, there have been some reported cases in humans.
4. Is there a test for avian flu?
Yes, specialized testing is needed to confirm if you have avian flu after testing positive for seasonal influenza. Seasonal influenza A and B testing is available through most healthcare providers or using an over-the-counter rapid flu test. However, further specialized testing is needed to confirm avian flu. This extra step is taken if you have a relevant exposure history.
5. What are the symptoms of avian flu in people?
Illness in people from avian flu infections have ranged in severity from no symptoms or mild illness to severe disease that resulted in hospitalization or death.
Mild signs and symptoms of bird flu in people may include:
- eye redness and irritation (conjunctivitis)
- mild fever
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue
**Eye redness has been the predominant symptom among recent U.S. cases of bird flu infection. Less common symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
Signs and symptoms of moderate to severe disease from bird flu in people may include:
- high fever or other symptoms listed above that limit or prevent usual activity
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- altered consciousness
- seizures
6. Is there a vaccine for avian flu?
There are vaccines for avian flu, but they are not widely available for people.
While getting a seasonal flu vaccine only prevents seasonal flu and will not protect against avian flu, it is important that people who may have frequent exposure to infected or potentially infected birds or other animals get a seasonal flu vaccine. This is because it can reduce the risk and severity of seasonal flu and might reduce the very rare risk of coinfection with a human seasonal virus and an avian virus at the same time.
7. What can I do to avoid getting sick with avian flu?
People should avoid direct contact with wild birds and other animals that may be infected with avian influenza A viruses.
If you must have direct/close contact with infected or potentially infected birds or other animals, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Wild birds can be infected with avian flu viruses even if they don’t look sick.
- Do not touch surfaces or materials (e.g., animal litter or bedding material) contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian flu infection.
- Do not touch or consume raw milk or raw milk products, especially from animals with confirmed or suspected avian flu infection.
8. Can I consume poultry, eggs, and dairy during an outbreak?
Yes, but it is recommended by the CDC to follow these guidelines.
- Cook poultry, eggs, and beef to a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses.
- Choose pasteurized milk and products made with pasteurized milk to keep you and your family safe.
- Unpasteurized (raw) milk and products made from raw milk, including soft cheese, ice cream, and yogurt, can be contaminated with germs that can cause serious illness, hospitalization, or death.
- Pasteurization kills bacteria and viruses, like avian influenza A viruses, in milk.
9. What should I do if I suspect I’ve been exposed to avian flu?
- CDC has information available for different groups of people who become sick after contact with infected birds: Protect Yourself from H5N1 Bird Flu – What to do if you feel sick
- Contact the Erie County Department of Health at 814-451-6723 or email us at ecdhinfo@eriecountypa.gov if you suspect that you have been exposed to avian flu.
10. How can I protect my pets from avian flu?
Prevent your pets from having contact with sick or dead birds, their feces or litter, or any surface or water source (e.g., ponds, waterers, buckets, pans, troughs) that might be contaminated with their saliva, feces, or any other bodily fluids.
11. What if I have a backyard poultry flock?
People with backyard or hobbyist flocks should report sick birds or animals or any unusual deaths to the state or the federal government, either through their state veterinarian or by calling USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. You are the best protection to keep your birds safe from disease; information on protecting your backyard flocks is available on PA Department of Agriculture’s website at: hpai backyard flock_biosecurity flyer – department of agriculture.pdf
12. What if I find a sick or dead bird?
If you find sick or dead wild birds, do not touch the birds. Contact the PA Game Commission at 833-742-4868 or pgc-wildlifehealth@pa.gov. They may arrange for testing of the birds.
If your chickens, turkeys, or other birds are sick contact: PA Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 717-772-2852 option 1.
For more information:
Wildlife
Health Care
- H5N1 For Physicians
- HAI-IPC Quick Reference on H5N1 for Healthcare Settings
- Pennsylvania Department of Health, Health Advisory Notice (HAN) 2025-784-02-07-Flu.pdf – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated recommendations to accelerate influenza A subtyping in hospitalized patients to identify and support care (CDC -HAN – 00520). Hospitals are urged to subtype all influenza A positive specimens collected from hospitalized patients, prioritizing ICU patients. Subtyping should be done as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of admission.
Poultry
Petting Zoos, Fairs, and Festivals