What is bird flu?

Bird flu is a disease caused by avian influenza A viruses that typically spread between birds, not people.

What is happening with bird flu in the U.S. right now?

Avian influenza virus A (H5) virus is spreading among wild birds and causing outbreaks in U.S. poultry and dairy cows. There have also been instances of infection in mammals and in rare cases, humans. Human cases have mostly occurred in poultry and dairy farm workers after working with infected animals. There has been no evidence of human-to-human spread in the current outbreak.

Should I be worried about bird flu?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report the risk of H5 bird flu for the public remains low. There are enhanced precautions recommended for those who might be at greater risk if they have job-related or recreational exposure to birds or infected animals. To keep you and your family safe, do not handle sick or dead wildlife and do not consume raw or unpasteurized animal products.

What should I do if I find sick or dead wild birds on my property?

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has guidelines for when to report sick or dead wild birds. Any unusual poultry illnesses or deaths in Virginia backyard flocks should be reported to the State Veterinarian’s Office at 804-692-0601.

What should I do if I am experiencing flu-like symptoms?

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, etc.), contact your primary care physician. Stay home and away with others until you feel better and practice other respiratory prevention strategies like using good hand washing and covering your coughs and sneezes. If you have had recent contact with sick or dead birds or are a poultry or dairy farm worker, contact your healthcare provider and tell them about your exposure.