UNITED STATES — In January, a person in Louisiana passed away from avian flu (H5N1). They are the first person in the U.S. to die from the infection. H5 is widespread in wild birds, and there have been sporadic outbreaks in poultry flocks. There have been no cases of human-to-human infections. This case underscores that, in addition to affected commercial poultry and dairy operations, wild birds and backyard flocks also can be a source of exposure. People with work or recreational exposures to infected animals are at higher risk of infection and should follow CDC’s recommended precautions when around animals that are infected or potentially infected with H5N1 avian influenza virus. This means that backyard flock owners, hunters and other bird enthusiasts should also take precautions. In addition, avian flu has been detected in the milk of dairy cows, suggesting the virus may have crossed into other animals.
In Indiana, avian flu has infected over 10 farms with over six million birds. Recently, Governor Mike Braun addressed the issue, stating that officials were monitoring the impact of the flu and risks of human exposure. The Indiana Department of Health noted that there have been no human cases of avian flu reported in the state.
Infected birds shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, mucous, and feces. Other infected animals may shed avian influenza A viruses in respiratory secretions and other bodily fluids (e.g., in unpasteurized cow milk or ‘raw milk’).
As a general precaution, whenever possible, people should avoid contact with sick or dead animals, in particular wild birds, and poultry.
For individuals with direct/close contact with wild birds or sick or dead poultry or other animals, wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Wild birds can be infected with avian influenza A viruses even if they don’t look sick.
Do not touch surfaces or materials (e.g., animal litter or bedding material) contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza A virus infection.
For more information on H5 bird flu in the U.S. and CDC’s response, including regularly updated case counts, visit the H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation page, www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html