Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) FAQs

Avian influenza, or bird flu, refers to the disease caused by infection with avian influenza Type A viruses. These viruses naturally spread among wild waterfowl worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, occasional human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred.

Avian influenza is not the same as the seasonal flu. Avian influenza spreads mostly among wild birds, whereas seasonal flu spreads mostly among humans with predictable peaks during the year. Seasonal flu strains may be part of the annual flu vaccine, too.

People have a higher risk of avian influenza infection if they have had close contact with birds, livestock or other animals sick with avian influenza or potentially a person with an avian influenza infection. However, avian influenza viruses have only rarely been transmitted from person to person.

The symptoms associated with avian influenza infection are generally similar to those of seasonal influenza. These symptoms include:

• Fever (temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater) or feeling feverish or chills
• Diarrhea
• Cough
• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Fatigue
• Sneezing
• Seizures
• Muscle or body aches
• Rash
• Headaches
• Eye tearing, redness, or irritation
• Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath

The first human case of influenza A(H5N1) in Texas reported conjunctivitis, or pink eye, which has been known to be associated with other infections. This was the only reported symptom in this case, highlighting the potential importance of this symptom.

Avoid contact with wild animals. People in direct or close contact (within about six feet) with sick or dead animals that may be infected, or their body fluids, should wear personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE includes properly fitted unvented or indirectly vented safety goggles, disposable gloves, boots or boot covers, a mask or other face covering, disposable fluid-resistant coveralls, and disposable head cover or hair cover. 

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a disease of birds that is highly contagious and often deadly to birds. The term “highly pathogenic” refers to its severe effect on birds, not necessarily on humans or other animals.

Avian influenza or “bird flu” refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses, including H5N1 viruses. These viruses naturally spread among wild waterfowl worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species, including cows. 

Designations like H5N1 or H7N9 identify the specific strain of influenza A based on the proteins on the surface of the virus. The proteins hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) help the virus enter and exit cells. There are 18 different hemagglutinin subtypes and 11 different neuraminidase subtypes with many different combinations.  

If pets, like cats or dogs, go outside and could potentially eat or be exposed to sick or dead birds or other animals infected with bird flu viruses, they could become infected with bird flu. While it’s unlikely that you would get sick with bird flu through direct contact with your infected pet, it is possible.

If your pet is showing signs of illness compatible with bird flu virus infection and has been exposed to infected (sick or dead) cats or wild birds, you should monitor your health for signs of fever or infection.

Although caged, pet birds are unlikely to be exposed to wild birds, the rare possibility remains that pet birds and backyard flocks could catch avian influenza. Owners of pet birds or backyard flocks are encouraged to stay informed about where avian influenza is occurring. In areas with an outbreak, certain precautions can help stop the viruses from spreading:

• Bring pet birds indoors or ensure that areas where backyard birds are kept are fully enclosed and away from wild birds and their droppings.
• Wash or sanitize your hands before and after handling birds and when moving birds between coops.
• Keep feed, drinking water, equipment, and other supplies secure and out of reach of wild birds or rodents.
• Prevent contact between visitors and your flock and avoid visits to places where other birds are kept.
• Know the signs of avian influenza and immediately report any suspected infections to your veterinarian or state animal health official.
• Call your veterinarian first before bringing your bird(s) in to be seen.