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Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Avian Influenza in New York State

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, commonly called bird flu, has been found in poultry, wild birds (primarily water birds and raptors) and mammals in New York State, including New York City. It has also been detected in dairy cattle and domestic cats in parts of the United States. There have been cases of H5N1 in humans, but no human-to-human transmission has been identified.

The risk to the general public is low, however people who handle or work with poultry, dairy cattle, and wild birds may be at higher risk of getting avian flu. People can get infected if body fluids (saliva, nasal fluid, and feces) from an animal with bird flu gets into a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth, or is breathed in.

While the risk is low for most New Yorkers, you can protect yourself and others from infection by following the prevention strategies below.

If you feel sick after having contact with sick or dead birds, contact your health care provider.

For current reports of H5N1 or other highly pathogenic avian influenza, visit the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab.

Avian influenza, also called avian flu or bird flu, is a disease that is spread among birds and is caused by flu viruses. Water birds (such as ducks, geese, gulls, and swans) can carry bird flu without looking sick, but bird flu can cause sickness and death in poultry birds (such as chickens and turkeys). Infected birds spread the virus through their saliva, nasal fluid, and feces.

There are many types of bird flu viruses. Some cause no signs or symptoms of disease in poultry or only mild disease, and others can cause severe disease and death in poultry.

Some bird viruses can infect humans and other animals, but the risk is low. How sick a person becomes depends on the type of bird flu. Symptoms can range from no or mild illness to severe disease and death. Most people with H5N1 in the US have had conjunctivitis (red or inflamed eyes) and fever; some have had mild respiratory illness. However a small number of severe cases have been reported.

Eating or drinking raw milk products from cows with bird flu may also pose a risk for infection. Pasteurized milk products are safe to eat or drink.

Prevention

Protect yourself and others by following these guidelines:

Report groups of sick or dead birds immediately.

For poultry, call the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets at 518-457-3502.

For wild birds, report online to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation: NYSDEC Avian Influenza Reporting Form.

For other animal-related concerns, call 311.

Avoid contact with birds that look sick or have died.

Avoid contact with surfaces that have bird feces.

If you must touch sick or dead birds:

Wear gloves and a facemask.

Place dead birds in a double-bagged garbage bag.

Throw away your gloves and facemask after use.

Wash your hands well with soap and warm water.

Follow these food safety tips:

Handle poultry and eggs safely and cook them to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Do not consume raw milk or raw milk products. Consume pasteurized milk and milk products.

Do not feed cats raw food diets or raw milk; prevent them from roaming outdoors where they may hunt wild birds or other animals.

Signs in Birds

Some wild water birds that have been infected may show no signs of illness. Signs of illness in poultry include:

Sudden death without signs of illness

Lack of energy or appetite

Decreased number of eggs or misshapen eggs

Swollen head, eyelids, wattles and hocks

Purple colored wattles, comb and legs

Respiratory issues, such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose and difficulty breathing

Falling

Diarrhea

If you own or care for chickens or other types of poultry, learn more about how to protect them from bird flu by visiting the USDA and Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Bird Flu in Pets and Other Animals

Mammals can become infected if they eat infected birds or spend time in an area with bird flu viruses. The H5N1 virus has been found in several mammals, including dairy cattle, stray and domestic cats, foxes, raccoons, skunks, farmed mink, sea mammals, and even zoo animals, such as tigers and leopards.

Cats can get bird flu if they eat infected birds, drink raw milk or eat raw pet food, or spend time in areas where other animals are sick with bird flu. Signs of illness in cats may include fever, runny nose, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and behavior changes.

Getting sick with bird flu from cats is unlikely, but pet owners should always make sure to avoid close contact with sick cats.

Additional Resources

United States Department of Agriculture: Avian Influenza

CDC: Information on Bird Flu

More Information

Zoonotic and Vector-borne Diseases: Information for Veterinarians and Medical Providers