On November 24, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a warning about a batch of milk recalled after bird flu was detected in a retail sample. This comes amidst a multi-state outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), raising concerns about its spread among dairy cattle.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called the current outbreak a “significant public health concern.” Here’s a closer look at the bird flu, its risks to humans, and how to stay safe.
What is Bird Flu?
Bird flu, or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), is a viral infection that can cause severe illness and death in birds and mammals. First gaining global attention in the 1990s during a chicken outbreak in southern China, bird flu remains a serious concern today.
The H5 family of bird flu viruses includes nine subtypes, with H5N1 being the strain linked to the current outbreak.
Can Humans Get Bird Flu?
Yes, humans can contract bird flu through close contact with infected animals. Infected birds shed the virus in their saliva, mucus, and feces. While bird flu is prevalent among livestock and poultry in 49 states, including seven key states (California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, and Texas), human infections remain rare.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 57 human cases of bird flu this year, mainly from direct exposure to infected cattle or poultry. However, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus.
Could Bird Flu Lead to a Pandemic?
The WHO does not classify the bird flu outbreak as a global health emergency, and experts say it is unlikely to become a pandemic under current conditions.
Dr. Joseph Khabbaza, a critical care pulmonologist at the Cleveland Clinic, explained that the lack of human-to-human transmission significantly reduces the risk of a widespread outbreak.
“For the vast majority of Americans, there should be no Covid-like fears,” Khabbaza noted. He emphasized that only those in close contact with infected birds or cattle—such as workers in agriculture or poultry farming—are at higher risk.
Are Dairy and Poultry Products Safe?
Yes, dairy and poultry products are safe if properly handled and prepared.
In April, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found fragments of the bird flu virus in retail milk samples, but pasteurization effectively kills pathogens, making milk safe to consume.
The CDC advises against drinking raw milk as it can pose health risks. Additionally, cooking poultry, eggs, and beef to recommended internal temperatures will eliminate any harmful bacteria or viruses.
Symptoms and Treatment of Bird Flu
Symptoms of bird flu in humans include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Eye redness
- Pneumonia requiring hospitalization
Less common symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or seizures.
Bird flu is typically treated with antiviral medications like Tamiflu (oseltamivir), commonly used to treat seasonal influenza.
How to Protect Yourself
If you’ve been in contact with sick or dead birds or surfaces contaminated by them, contact your state or local health department immediately.
Preventive measures include:
- Avoiding close contact with wild birds or sick poultry.
- Washing hands thoroughly after handling animals or raw meat.
- Properly cooking all animal products to safe temperatures.
While the bird flu remains a significant concern, public health agencies are monitoring the situation closely to mitigate risks and protect both human and animal health.
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