Domesticated birds (chickens, turkeys, ducks, etc.) may become infected with avian influenza A viruses through direct contact with infected (wild or domesticated) birds, or through contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the viruses.

Infected birds can shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces.

Human-to-human transmission of avian influenza A viruses is rare.

People rarely get bird flu; however, human infections with bird flu viruses can happen when enough virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. This can happen when virus is in the air (in droplets or possibly dust) and a person breathes it in, or when a person comes into contact with something that has virus on it, and then touches their mouth, eyes or nose.

Human bird flu virus infections most often happen after someone comes into close, prolonged and unprotected (no gloves or other protective wear) contact with infected birds and then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose.

If your domestic animals (such as cats or dogs) go outside and could eat or be exposed to sick or dead birds infected with bird flu viruses, or be exposed to an environment contaminated with bird flu virus, they could become infected with bird flu. Although it is unlikely that a person would get sick with bird flu through direct contact with an infected pet, it is possible.

Whenever possible, people should avoid direct contact with wild birds.

Wild birds can be infected with avian (bird) influenza (flu) A viruses even if they don’t look sick.

Avoid unprotected contact with domestic birds (poultry) that look sick or have died.

Do not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with saliva, mucous, or feces from wild or domestic birds.

People who own birds should use protective equipment like gloves, an N95 respirator if available or, if not available, a well-fitting facemask (e.g., a surgical mask), and eye protection, wash your hands with soap and water after touching birds, avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after contact with birds or surfaces that may be contaminated with saliva, mucous, or feces from birds, and change clothes before contact with healthy domestic poultry and handling wild birds, captive wild birds, farmed birds, and other pet birds. Then, dispose of the gloves and facemask, and wash hands with soap and water.

Signs of HPAI infection in birds include sudden death, difficulty with breathing, clear runny discharge from the nose, mouth, and eyes), lethargy, stumbling/falling decreased food and water intake, twisted neck, swelling of the eyes, head, wattles, or combs, discolored or bruised comb, wattles or legs.


In humans, signs and symptoms of avian influenza can range from no symptoms or mild illness (such as eye redness or mild flu-like symptoms), to severe illness such as pneumonia requiring hospitalization, and included fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffed nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Fever might not always be present.

Less common signs and symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or seizures.