Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Information for Information for People Who Handle Poultry

  • Highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) causes severe disease and death in poultry including chickens, geese, ducks, and turkeys.
  • People who have contact with infected birds are at risk of becoming sick.
  • Poultry producers and people with backyard poultry should take steps to protect their flocks from avian influenza and report signs of disease right away.

How does avian influenza spread to poultry?

Avian influenza spreads quickly by direct, bird-to-bird contact. It can also spread indirectly through contact with surfaces contaminated with feces (poop) or other body fluids from infected birds. Avian influenza viruses can be introduced to a flock by an infected wild bird or accidentally introduced on contaminated equipment or clothing. Once one bird in a flock is infected, the disease spreads rapidly.

Learn more about how avian influenza spreads and how to protect your poultry.

How does avian influenza spread from poultry to people?

People can get avian influenza from poultry by:

  • Breathing in droplets or dust contaminated with the virus, particularly in heavily contaminated environments like coops or barns.
  • Direct contact with infected birds.
  • Touching their eyes, nose, or mouth after handling infected birds or touching a contaminated surface.

What are the signs of avian influenza in poultry?

Signs of avian influenza in poultry include:

  • Sudden death with no prior signs
  • Low energy or appetite
  • Purple discoloration or swelling of various body parts
  • Reduced egg production or soft/misshapen eggs
  • Nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing
  • Lack of coordination
  • Diarrhea

If you notice these signs in your birds, contact your veterinarian or the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Field Veterinarian for your county right away.

I had contact with sick or dead birds, and I think I have avian influenza. What should I do?

  • Contact your local health department. Tell them your symptoms and that you had contact with sick or dead birds. They will help you get testing and treatment, if needed. They will have bilingual staff or access to interpreters if you prefer to speak a language other than English.
  • Tell your employer, if the bird contact occurred at work.
  • Stay away from people as best you can and wear a mask.
  • If you go to a clinic or hospital for healthcare, call ahead and let them know you have symptoms of avian influenza.

How to protect yourself

While avian influenza in people is uncommon, people who have contact with infected birds, including backyard poultry, are at increased risk of becoming infected. At least one person in the United States has gotten avian influenza through contact with infected backyard poultry.

If birds in your flock have suspected or confirmed avian influenza:

  • Do not touch the sick or dead birds without wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE should include:
    • Safety goggles
    • N95 respirator
    • Disposable gloves
    • Fluid resistant coveralls
    • Rubber boots
  • Do not touch surfaces or water sources that might be contaminated with saliva, feces, or other body fluids from sick birds without wearing PPE.
  • Do not touch your eyes, mouth, or nose while wearing PPE. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while wearing PPE.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water after removing PPE.

More information about protecting yourself from avian influenza if you have backyard poultry.

Information about avian influenza in poultry:

Resources for poultry producers and workers: