Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Bird Flu Viruses in People | Avian Influenza (Flu) – CDC

The best way to prevent bird flu is to avoid sources of exposurewhenever possible. Infected birds shed avian influenza viruses in their saliva, mucous, and feces and other infected animals may shed bird flu viruses in respiratory secretions and other body fluids (e.g., cow milk). Influenza A viruses also can infect the respiratory tract of mammals and cause infection in other organ tissues. People rarely get bird flu virus infection; however, human infections with avian influenza viruses can happen when enough virus gets into a persons eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. This can happen when virus is in the air (in droplets or possibly dust) and a person breathes it in, or when a person touches something that has virus on it and then touches their mouth, eyes or nose. Bird flu virus infections in people happen most often after close, prolonged and unprotected (no gloves or other protective wear) contact with infected birds or other animals. People with close or prolonged contact with infected birds or animals or their contaminated environments are at greater risk of infection.

People who have job-related contact with infected or potentially infected birds or other animals should be aware of the risk of exposure to avian influenza viruses and should take proper precautions. Groups of people who may have occupational exposure to infected birds include people who work at bird rehabilitation centers, people who work at bird and other animal sanctuaries, poultry farm or dairy farm workers, people who raise backyard bird flocks, andresponders to bird flu outbreaks in birds or other animals. If you must handle infected or potentially infected birds or other animals because of your job, take the following precautions:

Other groups of people who may have contact with birds or other animals infected or potentially infected bird flu viruses include hunters and people who have backyard or hobbyist flocks. People should report sick birds or other animals or unusual bird or other animal deaths to the state or the federal government, either through their state veterinarian or by calling USDAs toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. Find additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks onUSDAs APHIS website.

Hunters who handle wild birds should dress game birds in the field when possible and practice good hygiene to prevent any potential disease spread. If possible, wear gloves, an N95 respirator if available or, if not available, a well-fitting facemask (e.g., a surgical mask), and eye protection when dressing birds. Afterwards, throw away the gloves and facemask and then wash your hands with soap and water. More information on general safety guidelines for hunters handling wildlife and their tissuesis available from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services website.

Bird owners should practice good biosecurity and prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Bird owners should follow the protective actions around birds listed at the top of this page. If you must handlesick birds, take the following precautions:

Specific recommendations regarding the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear and how to safely put it on and take it off are available at Backyard Flock Owners: Take Steps to Protect Yourself from Avian Influenza (Bird Flu).

CDC has information available [256 KB, 2 pages]for different groups of people who become sick after contact with infected birds.

People who become sick within 10 days of their exposure to infected or potentially infected birds or other animals should isolate at home away from their household members and should not go to work or school until they are proven not to have bird flu virus infection. The local or state public health department should be notified and can assist in monitoring and advising when isolation is no longer required.

Close contacts (e.g., family members) of people who have been exposed to bird flu viruses should monitor their health and report to their health care provider any new symptoms, especially respiratory symptoms or eye redness or conjunctivitis, within 10 days of the last exposure.

For more information about bird flu and what to do if you have been exposed to bird flu, visit: What To Know About Bird Flu (cdc.gov) [154 KB, 2 Pages]

It is especially important that people who may have exposure to infected or potentially infected birds or other animals get a seasonal flu vaccine, ideally 2 weeks before their potential exposure, if possible. Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with avian influenza viruses but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human and bird flu viruses at the same time.

State and local governments have different policies for collecting dead and testing sick or dead animals, so check with your state health department, state veterinary diagnostic laboratory, or state wildlife agency for information about reporting animals that look sick or are dead in your area.

People should avoid unprotected (not using respiratory and eye protection) exposures to sick or dead animals including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and other wild or domesticated animals. Wildlife agencies regularly investigate reports of sick or dead animals. This type of reporting could help with the early detection of illnesses like West Nile virus or bird flu. If local authorities tell you to throw away the birds carcass (body), dont touch it with your bare hands. Use gloves or a plastic bag turned inside out to place the body in a garbage bag, which can then be thrown away in your regular trash. To report unusual signs in birds or other animals you have seen in the wild, call 1-866-536-7593.

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Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Bird Flu Viruses in People | Avian Influenza (Flu) - CDC