Bird flu has been spreading worldwide. What's the threat? Here's what the CDC recommends.
A subtype of bird flu caused by avian influenza A (H5) virus has been spreading worldwide in wild birds with a few outbreaks in poultry, dairy cows and other mammals across the United States, including a few humans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are monitoring the situation, so here's what to know.
What is bird flu?
According to the CDC, Bird flu is a disease caused by avian influenza A viruses that usually spread between birds, not people.
Most human cases of bird flu in the U.S. have been mild so far, and most had known exposure to sick or infected animals.
Avian influenza A viruses are very different from human seasonal influenza viruses. They have the potential to cause a pandemic in people if they were to gain the ability to more easily infect and spread efficiently between people because people have little pre-existing immunity to these viruses, which is why some experts are concerned by the number of human cases.
Currently, no avian influenza A viruses, including avian influenza A(H5N1), have gained the ability to spread easily and sustainably among people, according to the CDC.
What is being affected by the bird flu?
The spread of bird flu among poultry flocks in the United States caused egg prices to skyrocket, reaching near-record numbers as 2024 came to a close.
The average cost of a dozen Grade A large eggs was $3.65 in November, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's up from $3.37 in October and $2.50 at the beginning of 2024.
Last month, Northwest Naturals recalled a line of its raw and frozen chow after health authorities linked the death of a cat to a batch of feed contaminated with bird flu.
The recalled products include the company's 2-pound bags of its Feline Turkey Recipe that have a best-by date between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026.
Is bird flu contagious to humans?
Yes; humans can get the bird flu, but it is important to note that no human-to human transmission has been reported.
The CDC has confirmed there are 67 reported human cases in the United States and one death has been associated with the H5N1 bird flu.
The CDC is monitoring the situation, but says currently there is a low risk to the public.
"While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures," the CDC said on their website.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
Most people infected with bird flu in the U.S. have had mild symptoms.
Symptoms of H5N1 bird flu infection in humans may include pink eye, fever, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, stuffy or runny nose and shortness of breath, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
How to prevent the spread of bird flu
Bird flu typically spreads directly from infected birds, from environments contaminated by the virus or through an intermediate host such as another animal.
"People with close, prolonged, unprotected contact (not wearing recommended personal protective equipment (PPE)) with infected birds or other animals or surfaces that infected animals have contaminated with their secretions/excretions like mucous, saliva, feces, or milk (in dairy cows) are at greater risk of infection," the CDC said.
The CDC recommends avoiding sources of exposure whenever possible.
"People should avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, and other animals and observe them only from a distance," the CDC said. "If you must have direct/close contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals, including dairy cows, wear recommended PPE."
The CDC also makes the following recommendations:
- Do not touch surfaces or materials (e.g., animal litter or bedding material) contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza A virus infection.
- Do not touch or consume raw milk or raw milk products, especially from animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza A virus infection. Choosing pasteurized milk and products made with pasteurized milk is the best way to keep you and your family safe. Pasteurization kills bacteria and viruses, like avian influenza A viruses, in milk.
- Cook poultry, eggs, and beef to a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses (this includes pet food). More information about safe handling and cooking of poultry is available at Chicken and Food Poisoning. Refer to CDC's safer foods table for a complete list of safe internal temperatures.
Is bird flu treatable in humans?
Yes; flu antiviral drugs can treat avian influenza A virus infections. The CDC recommends people who develop bird flu symptoms following exposure to infected animals should receive treatment with flu antivirals (oseltamivir) as soon as possible.
How to view the USDA avian influenza dashboard
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a dashboard with detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza in mammals. It is still continuing to be updated.
You can view the USDA dashboard here.
Has bird flu been reported in Indiana?
Currently no cases of bird flu in humans or animals have been reported in Indiana, according to the USDA dashboard.