Risk of bird flu (H5N1) infection in Philadelphia remains low – City of Philadelphia (.gov)

You may have heard about the current outbreak of bird flu thats been identified in the United States. Currently, the risk of bird flu infection throughout the country is low. The risk of bird flu infection in Philadelphia is also low.

The reason that bird flu (also known avian influenza, H5N1 and HPAI) is in the news is that its making our milk-producing cows sick and people who work with affected poultry and cows have also become sick. Thats unusual and its why people are paying attention to this disease. Usually, bird flu spreads in wild birds and poultry, such as chickens and turkeys. Sometimes it can make mammals, including people, sick.

The current outbreak in wild birds, poultry and mammals began in February 2022.Wild aquatic birds, such as ducks and geese, are the most common carriers of bird flu. Many may be infected but dont look sick. They can transfer the virus to other animals. Bird flu is very deadly to domestic chickens and several species of mammals, such as seals, foxes and skunks.

In March 2024, we saw the first reported cases of bird flu in dairy cows in Texas, followed by the second human infection in the United States (the first human infection occurred in 2022). A total of nine people have now tested positive, all after exposure to dairy cows and poultry. While bird flu has been deadly to humans in previous outbreaks around the world, these farm workers only had mild to moderate symptoms.

As of July 19, 163 dairy herds across 13 states have tested positive for this bird flu.Bird flu is not a big risk to most Philadelphians. But there are things you can do to keep it that way.

Everyone who has developed bird flu has had direct contact with poultry or dairy cows. While the risk of becoming infected remains very low, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

Commercial milk sold in grocery and other food stores is safe to drink. Thats because commercial milk has been pasteurized. Pasteurization is a process that heats milk to kill bacteria and viruses.

Unpasteurized milk, commonly referred to as raw milk, can carry dangerous bacteria and viruses that can make you very sick and even cause life-threatening illness. The health department, doctors and experts across the country strongly advise against drinking raw milk because it can be so dangerous. Studies have shown that in a 20-year period, more than 2,500 people have gotten sick from drinking raw milk, and three people died.

Some people online will tell you that raw milk is better for you or can protect you from bacteria or viruses. That is wrong and dangerous.

Just to be safe, here are some tips to help protect you from bird flu and other bacteria or viruses that might be lurking in your food:

Songbirds and other typical feeder birds dont usually carry bird flu viruses. Its generally safe to keep your birdfeeder out for them. However, you may want to temporarily remove it if you also raise chickens or turkeys because they might expose your backyard birds to the virus.

In general, its best to stay away from wild birds, such as geese and ducks, as they are common carriers of bird flu. Wild birds can have bird flu without appearing sick.

Domestic chickens are particularly susceptible to bird flu. Over half of the affected flocks since the start of the outbreak have been backyard flocks. If you care for chickens, heres how to keep them and you safe:

Bird flu isnt a big risk in Philadelphia, but its always better to be protected and ready if things change.

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Risk of bird flu (H5N1) infection in Philadelphia remains low - City of Philadelphia (.gov)