Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)

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What is bird flu?

Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a contagious disease that spreads among birds. It mostly infects wild aquatic birds, also called waterfowl such as geese, ducks, and swans. The virus can spread to other wild birds and animals, and to some domestic birds and animals. It can also spread to humans. Wild and domestic mammals can also be infected if they are exposed to infected birds or their environment.

Infected birds and other animals spread the virus through their saliva, mucus, and feces.

Human infection has occurred after close and prolonged contact with infected animals or their environment. People should avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds and other animals. If you must come into contact with sick or dead animals or work in their environments, follow safety and reporting recommendations and protect yourself with personal protective equipment (PPE).

Report Sick or Dead Birds or Animals

Report unusual death or illness in your flock to the WSDA Avian Health Program by calling 1-800-606-3056 or filling out the Domestic Sick Bird Reporting Form.

Report sick or dead wild birds or animals to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife using their online reporting form.

Notifiable Condition for Health Care Providers

Reportable Animal Disease for Veterinarians, WSDA

How Bird Flu Spreads

Infected birds and other animals spread the virus through their saliva, mucus, and feces. The virus can also be present in their tissues if they die. Animals can become infected if they hunt or eat an infected animal (such as eagles, hawks, racoons, foxes, wild or domestic cats). Infected cows can shed the virus in their milk, making raw milk and other dairy products unsafe for consumption. Milk and other dairy products that are pasteurized are safe to consume. Birds, animals, and humans can become infected if the virus enters their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Wild and Domestic Birds

Wild birds such as geese and ducks commonly carry bird flu but may not show signs of sickness when infected. Raptors such as hawks, eagles, and owls also carry bird flu and are more likely to show signs of illness and become severely ill.

Domestic birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, quail, and guinea fowl are highly susceptible and may die quickly after becoming infected. People who own and/or work with birds and other animals, such as backyard flock owners and poultry or dairy workers, may be at higher risk for bird flu.

Handout: How to Prepare for a Healthy Family and Flock (PDF)

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Wild and Domestic Mammals

Many wild mammals are susceptible to bird flu, including foxes, raccoons, skunks, and wild cats. Domestic mammals susceptible to bird flu include dairy cows and some pets.

Domestic pets can also become infected with bird flu through contact with infected animals or their environments, or if they consume contaminated raw milk, other raw dairy products, or raw meats. Domestic cats are highly susceptible to bird flu and can become seriously ill.

For more on bird flu and pets, see Pet Owners and Veterinarians and Bird Flu.

Bird Flu Symptoms in People

People can become infected if the virus enters their mouth, nose, or eyes, or by consuming contaminated (raw) milk or meat products. Most cases have occurred through close and prolonged contact with infected animals or their environments, and without wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Most human cases of bird flu in the United States have been mild; however, severe illness and death have occurred.

See CDC's graphic How Infected Backyard Poultry Could Spread Bird Flu to People (PDF).

Bird flu symptoms in people can include:

Fever or chills
Cough
Sore throat
Muscle or body aches
Vomiting

Diarrhea
Eye redness or irritation
Difficulty breathing
Runny or stuffy nose
Severe respiratory disease

If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to bird flu, contact your healthcare provider or your local health jurisdiction.

Protect Yourself from Bird Flu

The best way to prevent the bird flu is to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and other animals, do not allow your pets to come into contact with wild birds or other animals, and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) if you must handle sick or dead birds or other animals, or work in their environment.

Personal protective equipment includes coveralls, head covering, goggles, gloves, face mask, and boots.

Wear Protective Equipment

If you must handle sick or dead birds or other animals, or work in their environment, protect yourself by wearing PPE such as gloves, safety goggles (unvented or indirectly vented), a NIOSH-approved respirator rated N95 or greater, and rubber boots. See CDC's Identifying NIOSH Approved Respirators. Additional PPE like disposable fluid-resistant coveralls, boot covers, and disposable head or hair covers are also recommended for higher risk exposures.

Handout: Prevent Avian Influenza - Keep yourself and your family safe with PPE (PDF)

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Disposing of a Dead Animal

Follow these steps to safely dispose of a dead bird or other animal. If you have contacted WSDA, follow their instructions before and during disposal.

Put on PPE.
Pick up the carcass with an inside-out plastic bag or a shovel.
Place carcass in a second plastic bag and throw it away in a sealing trash can.
Disinfect contaminated tools and hard surfaces such as feeding and watering containers with a disinfectant such as 1 part bleach to 10 parts water or a benzalkonium chloride–based commercial disinfectant (for example, Lysol or a similar product).
1. Saturate the surface and allow the disinfectant to sit for 5–10 minutes.
2. Then wipe it away with a disposable cloth or paper towel.
3. Dispose of used cloths or towels in a sealed trash can.

Remove PPE and Disinfect

Carefully remove PPE after handling sick or dead animals or working in their environment. Throw away PPE that is disposable, and clean and disinfect reusable PPE, such as goggles and rubber boots, and any tools used. Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Launder clothing immediately.

Avoid Raw Dairy and Meats

Do not consume raw or undercooked food, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk or raw cheeses, or raw meats.
Do not allow your pets to consume raw milk or other dairy products, or raw foods, such as raw meat.

Follow Audience-Specific Guidance

People who own or work with birds or other animals may be at higher risk of exposure to bird flu. Visit our audience-specific information on how to protect yourself, your family, and your animals.