What is HPAI?

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as the “bird flu”, is a virus. Bird flu is caused by an infection with avian influenza Type A viruses like H5N1 and H7N9. Though these viruses typically spread naturally in wild aquatic birds, these viruses can also infect poultry and other birds and animal species. Bird flu does not usually infect people, but there are still rare cases of human infection.

Protecting Yourself

How do I prevent getting infected with Bird Flu?

  • Do not drink raw or unpasteurized milk
  • Avoid direct contact with wild birds
  • Avoid direct contact with sick or dead poultry or animals.
  • People are thought to be contagious for the first few days of their illness, so avoid people who you know are sick with Bird Flu.

What If I regularly have to work with birds and other animals?

  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, N95 respirator if they are available or a well-fitting face mask, and eye protection.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after handling birds or sick animals.
  • Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after coming into contact with birds or animals or after handling materials that may have been in contact with them.
  • Change your clothes before handling healthy birds and animals after you have handled sick ones.

What To Do If You Come In Contact With A Sick Bird

  • Monitor yourself daily for symptoms listed in the Symptoms of Bird Flu section
  • If you develop any of the symptoms, contact Lake County General Health District and mention that you have come into contact with HPAI-infected birds or animals.
  • If you have mild symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with others in your household to avoid potentially spreading the virus to others.

I’ve found a sick or dead bird, now what?

  • Call 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) to report raptors (like bald eagles), geese, ducks, or any other large congregation of sick or dead birds.
  • Report backyard/hobby flocks to Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) 614-728-6220 or after hours 888-456-3405
  • Report commercial poultry flocks to Ohio Poultry Association (OPA) 614-882-6111

How does it spread and what are the symptoms?

People can get sick when they come into contact with infected birds and other infected animals. There is currently no evidence of humans passing this virus to other humans in the United States. Bird flu in humans can happen if enough of the virus enters through a person’s eyes, nose, mouth or is breathed in.

Bird flu can be passed from infected birds to people through:

  • Saliva
  • Mucous
  • Feces (poop)

Other animals can carry the virus and pass it to people through:

  • Respiratory secretions
  • Organs
  • Blood
  • Bodily fluids
  • Milk

People who are around infected animals without proper protection like masks and goggles may be at greater risk of bird flu infection.

Mild Symptoms of Bird Flu

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Eye tearing, redness or irritation
  • Headaches
  • Runny nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Fatigue

Complications can happen and timing is everything. Seek medical attention if the symptoms listed above become severe and prevent your usual activity and if you have symptoms like high fever, altered consciousness and seizures.

https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/zoonotic-disease-program/diseases/hpai
https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/animal-health/hpai/01-poultry
https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/signs-symptoms/index.html