What is avian influenza (Bird Flu)?
Avian influenza, also called bird flu, is caused by a virus that infects birds, typically waterfowl such as wild ducks and geese; however, these viruses can spill over into domestic birds such as commercial poultry (chickens and turkeys) and backyard flocks. The virus is found in an infected bird’s poop as well as fluids from the bird’s eyes, nose, or mouth.
“Bird flu” viruses have been found in many other species of animals, including mammals on land and in the water. These viruses can have a variety of presenting symptoms in these different species, and can cause mild to severe illness, even death in certain circumstances.
There are two categories of influenza A viruses in birds: highly pathogenic and low pathogenic, which specifically refers to their ability to cause very mild to very severe illness in poultry (chickens); these classifications do not reflect severity in other animals, including humans.
Bird flu doesn’t usually infect people, however, there are a few ways you can get infected. A person can be infected with bird flu if they:
- Touch their eyes, nose or mouth after working with infected live or dead birds.
- Touch their eyes, nose, or mouth after visiting places where infected birds have lived.
- Breathe in droplets or dust contaminated with the virus.
- Have close contact with a person already sick with the disease, though this is rare.
Symptoms of bird flu range from mild eye infections to a flu-like illness. In severe cases, bird flu can cause pneumonia and death.
Who can get Bird Flu?
Most humans are unlikely to get bird flu. Individuals who work with animals, such as veterinarians, farmers, animal industry experts, and wildlife professionals, or people who visit poultry farms or live-animal markets may be more likely to get infected.
What can people do to prevent Bird Flu?
There is no vaccine to prevent bird flu in people, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
- Avoid touching birds and visiting places where sick birds live
- Do not touch birds whether they are alive or dead.
- Avoid visiting live bird and poultry markets.
- Avoid germs
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid close contact, such as kissing, hugging or sharing eating utensils or cups with people who are sick.
If you feel sick and think you may have bird flu, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider and tell them about any contact with birds. Stay away from other people while you are sick.
Preparing Food
The Arkansas poultry industry maintains rigorous health and safety standards, including routine monitoring for avian influenza. It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry; there is no concern of avian influenza risk in processed poultry products.
Always properly handle and cook poultry products:
- Clean: Wash hands and surfaces often.
- Separate: Separate raw meats and poultry from other foods.
- Cook: Cook all poultry to 165°F.
- Chill: Refrigerate promptly.
For more information on safer food choices, click here
Cook poultry, eggs, and beef to a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses. Refer to CDC’s safer foods table for a complete list of safe internal temperatures. Choosing pasteurized milk and products made with pasteurized milk is the best way to keep you and your family safe. Unpasteurized (raw) milk and products made from raw milk, including soft cheese, ice cream, and yogurt, can be contaminated with germs that can cause serious illness, hospitalization, or death. Pasteurization kills bacteria and viruses, like avian influenza A viruses, in milk.
Background on the Current US Situation
There is ongoing surveillance throughout the US and the world to look for “bird flu” in migratory waterfowl. In the US, the US Department of Agriculture, the US Department of the Interior, and the US Department of Health and Human Services work together on this surveillance.
The Arkansas Department of Health works closely with other state partners, including the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service on all animal and human-related public health concerns.
Since January 2022, the United States has been experiencing an outbreak of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) strain in both domestic and wild birds, making this the largest animal health event to ever affect the US. Additionally, since March 2024, this virus has been detected in dairy cattle in several states, which exposed and even infected a small number of dairy farm workers, all of whom experienced mild symptoms and have since recovered. Additional human cases have been identified with exposure to infected poultry and backyard birds. More information on surveillance and positive results in domestic and wild animals can be found on the USDA website. For more information about “bird flu” in humans, please visit the CDC website.
It is important to remember that HPAI is primarily a production and economic concern for our poultry industry. It is safe to consume properly handled and cooked poultry products, including meat and eggs, as well as pasteurized dairy products.
Public
- Arkansas Department of Agriculture information on Avian Influenza
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission information on Avian Influenza
- University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service information on Avian Influenza
- CDC information on Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in people
- USDA APHIS reporting on H5N1 avian influenza in all animals (birds and mammals)
- Guidance for the public on the steps and precautions to follow if they encounter a sick bird can be found in the 2025 HPAI: Arkansas Disease Reporting Systems
- Poultry owners should monitor their flocks and report any possible symptoms to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture at 501-823-1746. For wild birds, please use the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission online tool to report sick or dead birds.
Healthcare Providers
- Guidance for providers, including key clinical information on novel influenza A viruses and CDC recommendations for patient evaluation, treatment, and testing, can be found in the Novel Avian Influenza: Provider Guidance
- CDC guidance on HPAI for healthcare providers
- CDC resources on HPAI for public health
Other Resources
Contact
Zoonotic Disease Section
4815 W. Markham St., Slot 62
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501-280-4136
Fax: 501-280-4431
Email: [email protected]
