Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza

Overview

Avian influenza, sometimes called bird flu or avian flu, is a disease of birds, usually carried by wild ducks and other waterbirds. Sometimes, this disease can spread from wild birds into domestic poultry. Although avian influenza and human influenza are both caused by influenza viruses, each virus generally affects either birds or people, not both. However, some humans have been infected with avian influenza viruses following direct contact with infected birds, either alive or dead, or surfaces contaminated with bird flu viruses.

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Current Situation in Nassau County, NY

  • No confirmed cases in people or animals in Nassau County.
  • Properly cooked eggs, poultry, and pasteurized milk are safe to consume.

With the concern over avian influenza, is it safe to eat poultry and eggs?

Yes. There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or eggs can transmit avian influenza. The poultry industry uses stringent surveillance for avian influenza, and outbreaks are quickly detected and controlled before infected products enter the food supply. Because other common diseases such as Salmonella infection can be spread by eating undercooked poultry or eggs, always follow safe food handling: cook to 165˚F, wash hands and surfaces after handling raw meat.

What can I do to protect myself and my family from avian influenza viruses?

There are general precautions that can be taken to reduce the chance of getting sick from any disease carried by animals:

  • Wash hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, after contact with animals;
  • Avoid contact with animals that appear to be sick or are dead, including birds;
  • Thoroughly cook eggs and meat prior to eating, and wash all utensils and preparation areas thoroughly with soap and hot water;
  • Do not consume any raw milk or raw milk products; only consume milk or milk products that have been pasteurized;
  • Wash hands frequently when preparing food.

How does avian influenza spread from place to place?

Healthy birds become infected from direct contact with sick birds or contact with areas or objects contaminated by sick birds. Wild birds can also carry the virus but do not always get sick. If they are infected but not sick, they might be able to spread the virus to new areas as they migrate.

Will the seasonal influenza vaccine (flu shot) protect me against avian influenza?

No. Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by human influenza viruses. The flu shot for humans is meant to protect against the human influenza viruses, not avian influenza viruses. This shot would not be expected to prevent avian influenza infections in humans. A few vaccines against specific strains of avian influenza have been licensed or are under development, but no avian influenza vaccine is currently available.

I found a dead bird in my yard – what should I do?

First, there is no need to report finding a single dead bird. If you find dead wild birds, especially multiple species or individuals in one place, please report it using the NYSDEC Avian Influenza Reporting form. DEC will decide if testing is needed.

Groups of birds found deceased likely have avian influenza. If DEC field staff do not collect samples or carcasses from the landscape, you should limit contact with dead birds and keep children and pets away from them. If removal of carcasses is necessary, wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection. Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids by using a shovel and washing hands and clothing immediately after with soap and hot water. Carcasses should be triple bagged (garbage or contractor bags) and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle.

Can other types of animals get avian influenza?

Avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and rarely spreads to other animals or humans. However, in some places where HPAI avian influenza outbreaks have occurred, cows, dogs, cats, fox kits, and other mammals have gotten sick.

What can I do to protect my pets from avian influenza?

If you are worried about your pets, do not let them roam outside where they could be exposed to sick or dead animals including wildlife. Many diseases can cause wild birds or other animals to get sick and die, and some of these diseases could be spread to pets that come into contact with them. There is no vaccine to protect pets against avian influenza.

Additional Resources

 

Last updated: March 5, 2025