Avian Flu
Find answers to frequently asked questions about bird flu. You can also find information on symptoms and treatment.
Avian influenza (commonly called bird flu) is a disease caused by viruses found in wild aquatic birds and domestic poultry. It is also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). We work with the State of Massachusetts to track bird flu.
The Basics
About Bird FluInfluenza (often called "flu") is an illness caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms include fever, cough, muscle aches, headache, runny nose, sore throat, and general weakness. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. It can be serious in the very young, the very old, and people who have other health problems.
Birds can also develop influenza, called avian influenza. The influenza viruses that affect birds typically do not affect humans. Influenza in birds may cause no disease or mild symptoms, but can sometimes cause death to the bird.
Pandemic influenza ("pandemic flu") is a worldwide outbreak of a new type of influenza virus. A pandemic usually appears when an animal influenza virus changes or mixes with a human influenza virus creating a new virus. The new virus is able to spread from person to person. It can cause widespread illness because most people are not immune and can get sick.
All birds are vulnerable to bird flu. Migratory birds, such as wild ducks or geese, can carry the virus. These birds typically do not have symptoms but can still spread the disease. Domestic birds, such as chickens and ducks, can get avian influenza through direct contact with an infected bird's saliva, nasal secretions, or droppings (poop).
Although rare, humans can become infected with bird influenza. People with direct or close contact with infected bird or contact with contaminated surfaces can get bird flu. Most human infections happen through direct contact with live or dead infected poultry.
Reports of cases of avian influenza transmitted from person to person are rare. To date, people with bird flu could not pass it easily to other people. Because bird flu viruses can change to pass more easily between people, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) closely monitors bird flu activity.
Reports of bird flu that cause illness in humans is very rarely. The U.S. takes several steps to prevent the spread of bird flu. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not allow import of poultry or poultry products from areas affected by bird flu. Also, all live birds or birds that travel to affected countries must quarantine for 30 days and tested for bird flu on their return.
Migratory birds can still introduce bird flu into the country. It can also enter the country through illegally smuggled infected birds, or a person infected with a bird flu virus. Surveillance for disease among birds happens in live bird markets, commercial flocks, backyard flocks, and migratory bird populations. Health departments monitor for bird flu in humans.
Symptoms of Bird Flu
- Fever
- Cough
- Muscle aches
- Vomiting
- Sore throat
- Conjunctivitis (eye infection)
- Confusion or neurological changes
- Flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness
Testing and Prevention
How can I protect myself against bird flu?
- Avoid human or pet exposure to sick or dead animals.
- If you encounter a sick, injured, or dead wild bird, report it to MassWildlife online.
- Any unexpected deaths or other signs of sick in a domestic flock should be reported immediately to the Division of Animal Health at 617-626-1795 or through this online reporting form. Increased numbers of wild bird deaths should be reported to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife using this online form. Prompt reporting will expedite rapid testing and diagnosis.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when in direct or close contact (within about six feet) with sick or dead animals including poultry, wild birds, backyard bird flocks, or other animals, animal feces, litter, or materials potentially contaminated with HPAI A(H5N1) viruses.
- Cook poultry, eggs, and beef to a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses. Refer to CDC's safer foods table for a complete list of safe internal temperatures. Choosing pasteurized milk and products made with pasteurized milk is the best way to keep you and your family safe.
For more information about bird flu, please visit the CDC website.
How is bird flu diagnosed?
A laboratory test can confirm bird flu. Swabs taken from the nose or throat during the first few days of the illness can identify an infection.
Is it safe to eat poultry?
In the U.S., it is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry. Always wash your hands after handling raw poultry. Cook all poultry and poultry products (including eggs) thoroughly before eating. A safe internal cooking temperature for poultry is 165°F.
Treatment
Medications are available for treatment. For more information about available treatments for Bird flu, visit the CDC's website.
Related Resources
Avian Flu | Mass.gov
Information about avian influenza and how it can affect birds and mammals, including people.
Report observations of dead wild birds | Mass.gov
MassWildlife is collecting information on wild birds to monitor possible outbreaks of Avian Influenza. Use the form if you observe 5 or more sick or deceased birds at a single location.