Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)
Bird flu is not the same thing as pandemic flu. Pandemic flu would make lots of people sick all over the world. It would spread easily from one person to another. Bird flu does not do that. Bird flu would have to change form to become pandemic flu. We don't know if this will ever happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated: May 2006
General Questions
What is bird flu?
Bird flu is the common name for avian influenza. It is a disease of birds that is mostly found in wild birds. Sometimes bird flu can spread from wild birds to domestic poultry.
There are many strains or types of bird flu virus. Right now there is a type of bird flu virus – the H5N1 strain – that has made many birds and some people sick in other parts of the world.
Do birds in the U.S. or Canada have the H5N1 bird flu?
No. This type of bird flu has not been found in North America. Other strains of bird flu are commonly found in wild waterfowl here, but usually affect small numbers of birds and usually do not cause obvious illness in birds. These other types of bird flu are not considered to be a risk to human health.
What kinds of birds carry the bird flu virus?
Wild birds around the world carry bird flu viruses in their intestines, but in most cases do not get sick from it. Most bird flu viruses have been found in wild waterfowl (ducks, geese and swans) and wading birds, gulls and terns.
How does bird flu spread among birds?
Infected birds shed the virus in their saliva, nasal discharges and droppings. Other birds can get the bird flu when they have close contact with infected birds. Birds can also get bird flu from contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated with the bird flu virus.
Can people get bird flu?
Yes. But right now, bird flu is hard for people to catch. Most of the people who have become sick with bird flu came into close contact with sick chickens or ducks and touched them with bare hands.
Wild Birds
Is it okay to feed wild birds?
There is no reason to stop feeding birds at this time. If the H5N1 bird flu does appear in North America, experts may change this advice.
People can also get other illnesses, such as salmonella, from birds and their droppings. For this reason, people should not handle wild birds and should always wash their hands with soap and hot water after handling bird feeders.
Should I feed ducks, geese and other waterfowl?
No. There are many reasons not to feed waterfowl.
- Unlike backyard birds, waterfowl are more likely to be infected once there is bird flu in the area.
- It increases the chance of spreading other diseases that are common among waterfowl.
- It makes them tame, and can cause them to become a nuisance.
- It causes them to lose their natural behaviors.
For these and other reasons, it is best to enjoy wildlife from a distance.
Should hunters take special precautions?
There are no known cases of bird flu spreading from wild birds to people. However, even apparently healthy wild birds can have other diseases like salmonella. The Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife endorses these practical precautions for hunters:
- Do not handle or butcher game animals that are obviously sick or dead.
- Wear rubber gloves and washable clothing when cleaning game.
- Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes right after handling game.
- Wash tools and working surfaces with soap and hot water.
- Disinfect with a 10% solution of chlorine bleach.
- Cook meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165º.
Dead Birds
If I find a dead bird, should I report it to the Health Department?
At this time there is no need to report or test dead wild birds for bird flu. That’s because there is no evidence of birds carrying the H5N1 virus in North America. Scientists believe it is most likely that H5N1 would appear first among birds in the western flyways before it is found in our region.
If the situation changes, Vermonters will be notified about how to report dead birds.
Pets
Can pets get bird flu?
Yes. In some places where birds have H5N1, cats and other mammals have gotten sick and died after eating infected birds.
Can my pets get vaccinated against bird flu?
No. There is no vaccine to protect pets or humans from bird flu at this time.
What can I do to protect my pets from bird flu?
Do not let pets run free outside where they could be exposed to or eat the remains of sick or dead wildlife. Many diseases can cause wild birds and other animals to get sick and die, and some diseases could be spread to pets that run free.
Can my pet be tested for bird flu?
No. Routine testing of pets for bird flu is not necessary and not available right now. If you have concerns about your pet’s health, it is best to contact a veterinarian.
Can my pet give me bird flu?
There have been no confirmed cases of bird flu being passed between humans and pets (other than chickens). If H5N1 bird flu appears in North America, it will be important to protect pets from possible exposure to sick birds and wildlife so that they will not get infected.
How do I know that animals from a pet store don’t have bird flu?
It’s always best to make sure that an animal has been checked by a veterinarian before you make the purchase. There have been no confirmed cases of bird flu being passed from pets to humans.
What about importing birds?
Importing birds and bird products such as eggs from areas where H5N1 bird flu has been found is against the law.
Poultry and Farm Animals
We have a small flock of chickens. Is it safe to keep them?
Yes. In Vermont, there is no need to remove a flock of chickens because of concerns about bird flu. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets has guidelines for keeping poultry healthy. Look for Biosecurity for the Birds at their website: vermontagriculture.com.
Can I get bird flu from my neighbor’s poultry and farm animals?
No. At this time there is no bird flu in North America. Bird flu is mostly a disease among birds. It rarely spreads to other animals and humans. Most people who got sick with bird flu had close contact with infected chickens or domestic ducks, and touched them with their bare hands.
If the situation changes, Vermonters will be notified about precautions to take.
Is it safe for my child to hatch eggs and raise chicks?
Yes. At this time there is no bird flu in North America. In general, chickens that have gotten infected with bird flu become ill and often stop laying eggs, so there is little risk of bird flu. However, chicks can carry other diseases such as salmonella. Projects involving hatching eggs and raising chicks should minimize hand contact and require thorough hand washing if contact does occur.
Is it safe to eat chicken, turkey, duck and eggs?
Yes. There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or eggs can be a source of infection for bird flu. Because other common diseases such as salmonella infection can be spread by eating undercooked poultry or eggs:
- Wash hands with soap and hot water after touching any raw meat.
- Clean cutting boards and counters used for food preparation right after use.
- Cook eggs and meat thoroughly. (Cook meat to an internal temperature of 165º).