February 13, 2025
Bird Flu (aka Avian Influenza A/H5N1): Are you at risk?
Bird flu (also known as Avian Influenza A or H5N1) is a disease caused by flu viruses that usually spread between birds, but not humans. Wild birds, such as ducks, geese, swans, and storks, are often infected with bird flu and can spread it to domestic livestock like poultry (chickens and turkeys). Humans can become infected by bird flu if they are exposed to birds and other animals that are infected with the H5N1 virus. Those most at risk are individuals who routinely work with or hunt wild birds and individuals who may care for or process poultry. Other animals may become infected if they have been exposed to wild birds that are infected with bird flu. This includes livestock like dairy cows, raccoons, rodents, and domestic pets. At this time, bird flu cannot spread between humans. However, if the virus continues to mutate, human to human transmission of the virus may become possible. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) see human transmission of H5N1 as low risk and are currently monitoring the situation very closely. Since February 2024, 67 cases of humans infected with bird flu have been documented in the U.S. and there has been one human death. Those infected worked on dairy farms, poultry farms, and in culling operations.
How to keep yourself safe from bird flu
- Wash your hands often. The best action you can take to protect yourself from all viruses is to wash your hands frequently and with soap. If you do not have access to clean water, use hand sanitizer. If your hands are in contact with outdoor items such as bird feeders that may have come in contact with wild birds, make sure to wash your hands and avoid touching your face and mouth until you get your hands clean.
- Do not consume raw eggs, poultry, or meat. The highest risk to most individuals is consuming infected dairy products. Dairy cows can pass the virus through their milk. Avoid raw milk and other raw/unpasteurized dairy products.
- Protect your pets. Household pets, such as cats and dogs, will likely not become infected with bird flu. However, you can ensure that your pets stay safe by not giving them raw eggs, raw poultry, raw meat, or unpasteurized dairy products. Keep your cats and dogs from playing with dead birds, other dead animals, or any animals that look sick.
- Avoid contact with wild, sick, or dead birds, animals, poultry, and livestock. These animals could be infected with the H5N1 virus. Do not handle any dead or sick animals or come in contact with the area where they were located. Bird flu can become airborne and infect humans via the nose, mouth, or eye. Report sick or dead wild animals to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and stay away!
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- ODFW Clackamas office (use if east of Willamette River): (971) 673-6000
- Sauvie Island ODFW office (use if west of Willamette River): or 503-621-3488
- Take respiratory precautions. If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms, wear a mask, stay home, and contact a healthcare provider for further assistance (students may contact the Health & Counseling Center).