Avian Flu
This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions about avian flu.
Avian influenza (commonly called bird flu) is a disease caused by viruses found in wild aquatic birds and domestic poultry.
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The basics
What is the difference between influenza, avian influenza and pandemic influenza?
Influenza (often called "flu") is an illness caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms include fever, cough, muscle aches, headache, runny nose, sore throat, and general weakness. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. It can be serious in the very young, the very old, and people who have other health problems.
Birds can also develop influenza, called avian influenza. The influenza viruses that affect birds typically do not affect humans. Influenza in birds may cause no disease or mild symptoms, but can sometimes cause death to the bird.
Pandemic influenza ("pandemic flu") is a worldwide outbreak of a new type of influenza virus. A pandemic usually appears when an animal influenza virus changes or mixes with a human influenza virus creating a new virus. The new virus is able to spread from person to person. It can cause widespread illness because most people are not immune and can get sick.
What kinds of birds can develop bird flu?
All birds are vulnerable to bird flu. Migratory birds, such as wild ducks or geese, can carry the virus. These birds typically do not have symptoms but can still spread the disease. Domestic birds, such as chickens and ducks, can get avian influenza through direct contact with an infected bird's saliva, nasal secretions, or droppings (poop).
Can people get bird flu?
Although rare, humans can become infected with bird influenza. Those with direct contact, close contact with infected birds, or contact with contaminated surfaces can get bird flu. Most human infections happen through direct contact with live or dead infected poultry.
Can bird flu pass from person to person?
Reports of cases of avian influenza transmitted from person to person are rare. To date, people with bird flu could not pass it easily to other people. Because bird flu viruses can change to pass more easily between people, The World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) closely monitors bird flu activity.
Can bird flu pass from person to person?
Reports of cases of avian influenza transmitted from person to person are rare. To date, people with bird flu could not pass it easily to other people. Because bird flu viruses can change to pass more easily between people, The World Health Organization(WHO) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) closely monitors bird flu activity.
Is bird flu common in the United States (U.S.)?
Reports of bird flu that cause illness in humans is very rarely. The U.S. takes several steps to prevent the spread of bird flu. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) does not allow import of poultry or poultry products from areas affected by bird flu. Also, all live birds or birds that travel to affected countries must quarantine for 30 days and tested for bird flu on their return. Migratory birds can still introduce bird flu into the country. It can also enter the country through illegally smuggled infected birds, or a person infected with a bird flu virus. Surveillance for disease among birds happens in live bird markets, commercial flocks, backyard flocks, and migratory bird populations. Health departments monitor for bird flu in humans.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of bird flu?
The symptoms of bird flu may range from mild to severe. In a mild infection, symptoms can range from conjunctivitis (infection of the eye) to general symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches. In a severe infection, symptoms can include respiratory illness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes neurological changes (confusion, seizures). Infection with a bird flu virus can be fatal.
Testing & prevention
How can I protect myself against bird flu?
The best way to prevent infection is to take steps to avoid places where bird flu may occur. Direct or close contact with infected poultry causes the majority of human infections. If you will be in direct contact with live poultry, wash your hands after any contact. People who work with live poultry flocks should use personal protective equipment. People should avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance. Avoid contact with poultry that appear ill or have died. Do not touch contaminated surfaces such as those with droppings from wild or domestic birds. If you are traveling in an affected area, you should avoid direct contact with poultry. For information on bird flu outbreaks and travel information, visit the CDC.
Everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated against seasonal influenza every year. Although the human influenza vaccine will not prevent infection with avian influenza, it may prevent infection with both human and bird flu viruses at the same time.
Is it safe to eat poultry?
In the U.S., it is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry. Always wash your hands after handling raw poultry. Cook all poultry and poultry products (including eggs) thoroughly before eating. A safe internal cooking temperature for poultry is 165°F. Click here to learn more about food safety.
For more information about the bird flu, please visit the FDA or USDA website.
How is bird flu diagnosed?
A laboratory test can confirm bird flu. Swabs taken from the nose or throat during the first few days of the illness can identify an infection.
Treatment
How is bird flu treated?
Medications are available for treatment.
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