H5N1 (Bird Flu) Information
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, commonly known as “Bird Flu”, affects wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows in the U.S. There have been several recent human cases in U.S., with one death reported. While the current public health risk is low, the health department is watching the H5 situation carefully and is working with state and federal partners to monitor people with exposures to infected animals.
Although bird flu has been detected in animals in Pennsylvania, including in Allegheny County, no human cases have been reported. To see a list of confirmed HPAI detections in animals, visit the USDA’s avian influenza webpage.
What is the Health Department doing?
The Health Department advises that people avoid direct contact with wild birds and other animals infected with or suspected to be infected with H5N1 bird flu. In addition to working with state and federal partners to monitor people with exposure to infected animals, the Health Department is ensuring that healthcare providers have the information that they need to identify individuals who may be infected and ensuring that people who have a higher risk of exposure have the resources they need to stay healthy.
What can people do to stay healthy?
People should avoid handling sick or dead birds. If you must handle these animals, use personal protective equipment, like masks, gloves, and eye protection. People should report sick or dead wild birds to the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 833-742-4868 or pgc-wildlifehealth@pa.gov. People who keep chickens or other poultry should report ill flocks to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852.
Other things people can do include:
- Wash hands before and after touching animals, or animal products
- Avoid eating, drinking, or touching your face while handling animals
- Wear gloves when cleaning bird feeders, coops or pens
- Use separate shoes/boots just for the coop or barn
- Avoid raw milk or raw milk products (Pasteurized products are safe.)
The Health Department encourages all people to get the seasonal flu vaccine. The vaccine reduces the risk of severe illness if you do get infected. Getting a flu shot annually is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
What should people do if they are worried about their pets?
People should call their veterinarian if their pet is sick. Veterinarians will check to see if more common health problems may be causing the illness. Veterinarians may work with the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System to discuss if pets should be tested for HPAI N5N1.
If you think you were exposed to HPAI H5N1 and have symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider. Symptoms may include:
- Fever or chills
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Muscle or body aches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Eye irritation, redness, or discharge (conjunctivitis)
Other Resources
What to do if you think that you might be sick with the bird flu
Fact Sheets
Wildlife
Health Care
Poultry
Farms
Dairy
Petting Zoos, Fairs, and Festivals