āāWhat is 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.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
Symptoms can be serious and lead to death.
Who is at higher risk of getting bird flu?
You are at higher risk if you work with or are around poultry, dairy cows, alpacas, wildlife or raw (unpasteurized) milk. This includes any contact with animal fluids, feces, or feathers.
Examples of those at higher risk include:
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Farmworkers who:
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Wildlife Workers:
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Wildlife rehabilitation center staff and volunteers.
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Veterinary clinic staff.
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Pest management and animal removal personnel.
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Animal control officers and shelter staff.
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Zoo staff and volunteers.
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āWildlife workers, please see
Bird Flu: Working witāh Wildlife for more information.
āHow does bird flu spread?
It spreads from sick cows, birds, or other infected animals to people by:
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āBreathing in dust or droplets with the virus.
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Splashing raw milk from an infected cow in your eyes, nose or mouth.
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Touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands after:
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Touching raw milk, cow or bird feces, or other contaminated items or surfaces.
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Handling sick or dead animals infected with the virus.
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āāDrinking raw milk. āāāā
How do
I avoid getting bird flu?
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Avoid contact with infected animals.āÆ Avoid direct contact with birds and other animals that could be infected with bird flu. Wild birds can be infected with bird flu even if they don't look sick.
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Get the seasonal flu vaccine. CDPH recommends that all Californians, especially workers at risk for exposure to bird flu, receive a seasonal flu vaccine. While the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against bird flu, getting vaccinated can lower the risk of being infected with both seasonal flu and bird flu at the same time. Getting vaccinated also reduces the chance of severe illness from seasonal flu.
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āOnly consume pasteurized dairy products. The bird flu virus can be present in raw, unpasteurized milk. Unpasteurized milk may contain other germs that can make you sick. Do not touch or consume raw milk or raw milk products. Pasteurized milk and dairy foods are safe to eat.
Take precautions if you have a backyard flock: Keep birds separate from other animals (like pets and livestock). Avoid kissing or putting birds near your face. Wash your hands before and after contact with your birds. Do not touch sick or dead birds without PPE. Contact your vet or local animal control if you notice illness or sudden death. For more information, visit California Department of Food and Agricultureās Animal Health Branchā. āÆāÆ āāā
How do I protect myseālf?
If you must have contact with birds or other animals wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) and take extra precautions.
This includes:
āāāāWorking outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor environments.
Washing your hands after contact with animals or their environments and before taking breaks or eating/drinking.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wearing dedicated work clothing and footwear and washing them to keep on-site if possible.
Changing clothes and footwear and showering after work.
See Worker Protection from Bird Flu (PDF) for more information. āā
What if I get bird flu?
See Guidance for People with Possible or Confirmed Bird Flu Infection for specific information about what to do if you have symptoms of bird flu. āāāāāāāāāāāā