Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)

Key points: 

• Low risk of getting sick with bird flu for most people. 
• Bird flu infections in people are rare, but possible. 
• Most reported bird flu infections in people have happened after unprotected contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces. 
• The severity of illness in people varies from mild to severe, including death.

If you find a dead bird: 

• Do not touch dead or sick birds with bare hands, and avoid touching bird poop.
  
• Report it to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) through the wildlife reporting tool or call 1-800-WILDLIFE. 
• Reportable bird species:
• Any raptor, like a bald eagle.
• Multiple waterfowl, like geese or ducks.
• Any large group of sick or dead birds.
  
  
• How to dispose of dead birds safely: 
• Use a shovel or gloves. 
• Double bag the bird.
• Throw it out with household trash.

Protect yourself with these common-sense prevention steps: 

• Do not touch dead or sick birds with bare hands, and avoid touching bird poop. 
• Maintain a distance when observing wild birds; avoid close contact.
• If you step in bird poop, remove your shoes before going inside. 
• Cook animal products properly before eating or drinking. Consuming raw or unpasteurized milk or dairy products and other uncooked or undercooked products increases the risk of bird flu. 

Pet owners, be aware: 

Both cats and dogs can contract bird flu. Cats are more likely to experience severe illness or death. Keep your cats and dogs away from all dead or sick birds, including both wild birds and chickens.

Learn more about symptoms and prevention for your pets: 

• Bird flu from cat food? What to know to protect your pets 
• Cat deaths linked to bird flu-contaminated raw pet food and unpasteurized milk 
• Ways to reduce risk of bird flu for cats and dogs

Caution to farmers, backyard flock owners, and wildlife enthusiasts: 

• Avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, and other animals. This includes hugging. 
• Review prevention considerations for backyard flock owners and hunters. 
• Learn how Infected Backyard Poultry Could Spread Bird Flu to People. 
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) with gloves, N95 respirators or well-fitting facemasks, and eye protection, wash hands thoroughly, avoid touching their mouth, nose, or eyes, and change clothing after contact.

How does bird flu spread? 

• The bird flu virus spreads naturally in wild aquatic birds, including gulls, terns, and shorebirds, and wild waterfowl, such as ducks, geese, and swans.
• They can infect other wild birds, including poultry, and other animal species.
  • Native Ohio birds are vulnerable to the virus, especially shorebirds, raptors, and waterfowl.
  • Domestic chickens and turkeys are also vulnerable.
  • In the U.S., the virus has been found in wild birds, commercial poultry, and dairy cattle.
• Infected birds spread the virus through their saliva, mucous, and feces.
• Other animals might carry the virus in their respiratory secretions, organs, blood, or other bodily fluids, even in their milk. 

Bird flu symptoms in people:

• Symptoms can range from no symptoms to severe illness.
• Common symptoms include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and tiredness.
• Eye redness or conjunctivitis can also occur.
• If you have been in contact with infected animals and have flu-like symptoms, isolate and contact your healthcare provider and local health department.