Avian Influenza

H5N1 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu): Current Situation

The US has been dealing with an ongoing outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 since early 2022. At first, H5N1 influenza was mostly found in wild birds and poultry. Then H5N1 influenza started spreading to other animals such as foxes, bears, and seals.

In March 2024, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) identified H5N1 influenza in US dairy cows for the first time. Experts believe that the cows were infected through contact with infected wild birds. Since March 2024, H5N1 influenza has been identified in dairy farms in several states. Since April 2024, more than 50 cases have been identified in humans in the US. So far, most people who have gotten sick with H5N1 influenza in the US have had mild illness, have been treated with antivirals, and have recovered.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes the general public health risk is low because H5N1 influenza does not infect humans easily. However, people who work with or have recreational exposure to birds, poultry, or cows are at a higher risk for infection. These people should take steps to protect themselves from H5N1 influenza

Experts at the CDC, the USDA, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are watching the outbreak carefully. For updates on H5N1 in the US, including case counts, visit the CDC web page on Avian Influenza.

Avian Influenza

“Avian influenza” or “H5N1 influenza” refers to the influenza viruses that typically infect wild birds (such as ducks, seagulls, and shorebirds) and domestic poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, and geese). These viruses can mutate (change), allowing them to infect other species, including mammals. The detection of H5N1 in dairy cows represents a significant development, highlighting its ability to cross species barriers.

Influenza viruses are complicated because they mutate. When a virus changes, it behaves differently. Influenza viruses that usually infect one type of animal can change to start infecting another type of animal. H5N1 influenza changed in such a way that it was able to infect dairy cattle, and then has spread between dairy herds.

There are different kinds of influenza virus. People may recognize the names of different influenza viruses that include the letters H and N, like H1N1. Some influenza viruses mostly infect specific animals, like birds, horses (also called equine influenza), or pigs (also called swine influenza or swine flu). Other kinds of influenza viruses mostly infect humans.

How Avian Influenza Can Spread to Humans

The CDC considers the risk of avian influenza to be low for people. People can be infected with avian influenza viruses, but they rarely make them sick. Even if a person is infected with one of these influenza viruses, it’s hard for the virus to spread from person to person. Standard antiviral drugs, like Tamiflu, can treat avian influenza infections.

Infected birds spread avian influenza through their saliva, mucous, and feces. Other animals, such as cows, can get infected with avian influenza. These animals might spread the virus through respiratory secretions, blood, or other bodily fluids (like milk). A human can become infected with avian influenza if the virus gets into their eyes, nose, or mouth, or when it is breathed in.

Signs and Symptoms of Avian Influenza

Symptoms of avian influenza infection can be very mild or severe.

  • Eye redness
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Pneumonia requiring hospitalization
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

A doctor will not be able to tell you if you have been infected with an avian influenza virus by looking only at your symptoms. A lab test is needed to get more information about the virus causing the infection.

What Rhode Island is Doing to Protect People from H5N1 Influenza

To protect people who work on poultry farms, on dairy farms, and in slaughterhouses against H5N1 influenza, Rhode Island is making select types of personal protective equipment (PPE), like Tyvek suits, gloves, face shields, and N95 masks, available to these workers at no cost. Farmers and others managing animals at potential risk for H5N1 influenza may complete an order form to request PPE.

Rhode Island is watching for H5N1 influenza by:

  • Partnering with USDA and FDA to test raw (unpasteurized) milk
  • Testing wastewater for traces of the virus
  • Looking for H5N1 influenza in flu test samples sent to the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories
  • Investigating reports of sick animals

What you should do

Avian influenza infections in humans are rare. The best way to prevent avian influenza in humans is for people to avoid exposure. This means avoiding direct contact with birds or other animals infected with or suspected to be infected with avian influenza.

  • Avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals
  • If you have contact with these animals, especially during an outbreak of avian influenza, wear PPE
  • Do not touch surfaces or materials contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza
  • Do not touch or drink raw milk (unpasteurized milk), especially from animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza
  • To learn more about avian influenza specific to Rhode Island, visit the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s avian influenza page. To learn more about Influenza Type A Viruses, visit the CDC page About Bird Flu.

The following information is from the CDC: