You've probably heard about it off and on for a while now.
But now, cases of bird flu are spreading among animals, leading to concerns about its potential impact on humans.
And even more …
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You've probably heard about it off and on for a while now.
But now, cases of bird flu are spreading among animals, leading to concerns about its potential impact on humans.
And even more than that, the price of eggs are going up again.
So what exactly is bird flu, and how dangerous is it?
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases of avian influenza A(H5), commonly known as bird flu, continue to spread among wild birds and certain mammals, including poultry and dairy cows. While rare human infections have been reported, the CDC emphasizes that the current public health risk remains low.
To give you an overview of bird flu, we've summarized the information available on the CDC website. You can learn more by visiting www.cdc.gov.
Bird flu is caused by avian influenza A viruses, which primarily affect birds and only rarely spread to humans. Wild water birds serve as natural hosts, transmitting the virus through saliva, mucous and feces. Poultry, such as chickens and turkeys, are particularly vulnerable, often developing severe illness.
Recent cases of H5 bird flu have also been detected in mammals, including dairy cows. While many wild birds carry the virus without symptoms, outbreaks among poultry can be devastating, leading to significant agricultural losses. This is why the price of eggs has started to rise again.
Human infections with avian influenza A viruses are uncommon and are typically linked to direct contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces. In the United States, recorded cases have been mild, with eye redness as the most commonly reported symptom. However, past outbreaks in other countries have seen more severe cases, including respiratory complications and, in some instances, death. Limited human-to-human transmission has occurred outside the U.S., but sustained spread has not been documented.
Those at highest risk of infection include poultry and dairy farm workers, veterinarians, animal health responders, food processing workers handling raw milk and those working with wild or captive birds. Hunters and wildlife rehabilitation workers may also face increased risk.
Symptoms of bird flu in humans can range from mild to severe. Mild cases may include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue. Severe cases can involve high fever, difficulty breathing, altered consciousness or seizures. In rare instances, complications can be fatal.
Bird flu spreads primarily through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. The virus can be transmitted through mucous, saliva and feces, and in dairy cows, through milk. Infected animals shed the virus into their surroundings, increasing the risk of exposure for humans and other animals.
The CDC advises avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds and other animals suspected of infection. Those working with potentially infected animals should wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Consuming raw or unpasteurized milk from infected dairy cows poses an exposure risk, making proper pasteurization essential. Thoroughly cooking poultry, eggs and beef to safe internal temperatures eliminates the risk of infection.
Individuals experiencing symptoms after exposure to infected animals should seek medical attention and testing. State public health laboratories conduct initial screenings, with samples sent to the CDC for confirmation if bird flu is detected. Antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir, can help reduce symptoms and prevent severe illness when administered promptly.
For those who have been exposed but remain asymptomatic, public health officials may recommend monitoring or preventive antiviral treatment, particularly if PPE was not used properly.
There is currently no widely available vaccine for bird flu, and seasonal flu vaccines do not provide protection against avian influenza A viruses. However, the CDC has developed candidate vaccine viruses that could be used to manufacture a vaccine if needed. Preliminary analysis suggests these vaccines would offer strong protection against circulating H5N1 strains.
As bird flu continues to spread among wildlife and livestock, health officials are maintaining strict surveillance efforts. While human infections remain rare, the CDC highlights the importance of prevention strategies and early detection to mitigate potential risks.
For the latest updates on avian influenza and public health guidance, visit the CDC's official website at www.cdc.gov.
