​These numbers are updated weekly. ​

​​What 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?

• Eye redness or discharge.

• Cough.

• Sore throat.

• Runny or stuffy nose.

• Diarrhea.

• Vomiting.

• Muscle or body aches.

• Headaches.

• Fatigue.

• Trouble breathing.

• Fever (100°F or higher).

• Pneumonia.

• Seizures.

Symptoms can be serious and lead to death.

Who is at higher risk of getting b​ird 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:

• Farmworkers who:

• Work with dairy cows

• Work with poultry

• Handle raw dairy products

• Work in slaughterhouses​
  

• Wildlife Workers

• Wildlife rehabilitation center staff and volunteers

• Veterinary clinic staff

• Pest management and animal removal personnel

• Animal control officers and shelter staff

• Zoo staff and volunteers

How do I avoid getting bird flu?

You can protect yourself from bird flu by:

• Using the following personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling animals that could be infected with bird flu:

• Goggles or face shield

• NIOSH® approved respirator

• Gloves

• Coveralls

• Head cover

• Boots

• Working 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.

What if I get bird flu?

• Tell your employer right away.

• Contact your local public health department right away to arrange for testing and treatment. Tell them you may have been exposed to bird flu.

• Avoid or reduce contact with others until symptoms resolve.

• Reduce the spread:

• Consider wearing a mask to protect other people: Consider wearing a high-quality mask (N95, KN95, KF94) especially if you're sick and in crowded or indoor areas.

• Wash your hands: Wash hands throughout the day with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Cover your cough or sneeze: Cough or sneeze into your elbow, arm, or a disposable tissue. Make sure to throw away your tissue, then wash or sanitize your hands.​
  

  
  

Bird Flu in California

• CDPH has been closely monitoring the bird flu situation in both animals and humans since the state's first detection in poultry in 2022.  

• CDPH is working with local, state and federal partners to monitor bird flu in farm animals and people who work closely with poultry and cattle.

• CDPH is aware that the USDA has confirmed the introduction of bird flu into several Central Valley dairy herds. 

• CDPH provided PPE for distribution to dairy farm workers and others handling raw dairy products, as well as slaughterhouse and poultry farmworkers.

Resources

• Worker Protection from Bird Flu (PDF)

• Protección del Trabajador Contra La Influenza Aviar (PDF)
  

• How to Request Personal Protective Equipment

• Raw Milk and Raw Dairy Products

• Cal/OSHA Protection from Avian Influenza
  

• CDC Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
  

• CDC Reducing Risk for People Working with or Exposed to Animals​​