Avian Influenza Virus (Bird Flu)

What is Bird Flu?

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a type of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus that can cause severe illness and death in both birds and mammals. In 2022, the first human case of HPAI H5N1 was reported in the United States. In March 2024, the first known cattle-to-human transmission of HPAI was reported. The current strain of HPAI has spread across multiple types of animals. The greatest risk to humans comes from frequent close contact with infected animals, especially for those who work directly with poultry or cattle. The spread of bird flu is being closely monitored for changes in disease severity and types of animals infected. 

How does Bird Flu Spread?

Human infections with avian influenza viruses are rare. Current known cases have mostly occurred in people who primarily had close contact with sick poultry or cattle, but some cases with unknown exposure have occurred. Although avian influenza can spread in ways similar to human influenza viruses, it can also be transmitted through specific animal-related routes. Bird flu can spread by breathing in virus-containing droplets, getting exposed to raw milk from infected cows in the eyes, nose, or mouth, or touching the face with unwashed hands after handling raw milk, animal feces, or infected animals. Historically, animals do not spread avian flu to humans easily, and the virus has not been known to spread from person to person. While there are no known cases of the current H5N1 avian flu virus spreading between people, public health officials closely monitor people who have been exposed to animals sick with bird flu.

Symptoms:

Common symptoms of avian flu in people include, but are not limited, to:

  • Eye redness and irritation (conjunctivitis)
  • Mild fever (temperature of 100ºF [37.8ºC] or greater) or feeling feverish
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Trouble breathing

Bird Flu Response

Georgia maintains active surveillance for bird flu across the state and prioritizes monitoring efforts of bird flu. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) conducts animal testing and surveillance, while the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) conducts human surveillance during an outbreak response. Georgia is the top poultry producer in the nation, with thousands of jobs dependent on the poultry industry within the state. If Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is detected in domestic poultry or cattle in Georgia, GDA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), responds immediately to contain and control the outbreak on the affected farm. 

DPH conducts human monitoring of potentially exposed persons in collaboration with GDA, USDA, and APHIS. At the national level, there is a coordinated effort to monitor and control the spread of HPAI. The USDA, U.S. Department of the Interior, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services work together on an extensive surveillance program. The United States’s bird flu response is recognized as one of the most robust programs in the world. This program tracks the presence of HPAI in wild birds, commercial poultry, backyard flocks, and susceptible mammals across the country.

Who is at risk?

For the general public, the risk of infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) remains low. So far, human cases have been reported primarily in individuals who had close and prolonged contact with infected animals, such as poultry or cattle, but some cases from unknown exposure routes have occurred. More about current risk can be found on the CDC’s H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation page.

Food Safety and Animal Contact:

  • Properly cooked poultry, pasteurized milk, and eggs are safe to eat. Cooking and pasteurization effectively kill bacteria and viruses, including bird flu viruses.
  • Unpasteurized (raw) milk and raw milk cheeses can carry harmful microorganisms, including avian influenza, and may pose serious health risks.
  • Pets can become sick from eating raw poultry products, so it is important not to feed them uncooked meat from potentially infected animals.

Preventive Measures:

  • Avoid contact with sick or dead birds, cattle, or other animals.
  • If you must handle sick or dead animals, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including an N95 respirator, gloves, and eye protection.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the risk to people who work directly with potentially infected animals or contaminated surfaces or fluids to be moderate to high, depending on the level and duration of exposure.

If You Are Exposed:

  • Individuals who work with poultry, cattle, or other animals that may be infected with HPAI should follow CDC Safety Guidelines to reduce the risk of infection.
    If you have been exposed to potentially infected animals and develop flu-like symptoms, call 866-PUB-HLTH (866-782-4584) for guidance.
     

Disease Reporting

Novel influenza A virus infections in humans, including HPAI, are immediately reportable to the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). More about what needs to be reported, who needs to report diseases, and how to report can be found on the DPH Notifiable Disease Reporting page. 

Resources

CDC – Human health information

GDA – Animal health information

USDA – Animal health information

 

Page last updated 6/3/25