Bird Flu Is Infecting More Mammals. What Does That Mean for Us? (2024)

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Bird Flu Is Infecting More Mammals. What Does That Mean for Us? ›

The more mammalian species the virus infects, the more opportunities it has to evolve a strain that is dangerous to humans, Goldhill says. One dairy worker in Texas has been infected, but the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the person is recovering.

Domestic Summary

While thought to be rare, this exposure to HPAI A(H5N1) bird flu virus is the first instance of likely mammal to human transmission. In the United States, since 2022, USDA APHIS has reported HPAI A(H5N1) virus detections in more than 200 mammals.

HPAI viruses can be transmitted by wild birds to domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Although bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans, sporadic human infections have occurred. It is important to note that “highly pathogenic” refers to severe impact in birds, not necessarily in humans.

The reported signs and symptoms of bird flu virus infections in humans have ranged from no symptoms or mild illness [such as eye redness (conjunctivitis) or mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms], to severe (such as pneumonia requiring hospitalization) and included fever (temperature of 100ºF [37.8ºC] or greater) or ...

Early in 2023, the virus killed thousands of sea lions. This spring, meanwhile, officials found bird flu in Minnesota goats and among 33 dairy cattle herds in eight states (bird flu has likely been spreading among cattle for weeks or months before it was detected).

At least 26 species of mammals have also been infected. In Antarctica's Northern Weddell Sea, Begeman and her colleagues sampled around 120 carcasses from different species, including several Antarctic fur seals. The virus was detected at four of the 10 sites they visited.

While it's very rare for people to be infected with bird flu viruses through contact with infected wild, stray, feral, or domestic mammals, it is possible—especially if there is prolonged and unprotected exposure to the animal.

One human case of A(H5N1) was reported in the United States in April 2024 in an adult dairy farm worker. The individual worked at a farm with sick cows presumed to be infected with HPAI A(H5N1) virus in an area in which cows at other dairy farms were confirmed with HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection.

These symptoms can include fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Less commonly, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and seizures can occur.

U.S. egg producers are watching the situation closely after bird flu was detected in chickens in Texas and Michigan. Millions of birds have been killed, but the FDA said the risk of affected eggs getting into the retail market or causing infections in humans is low because of federal inspections and other safeguards.

Can you get bird flu from raw eggs? ›

Egg products — like liquid egg whites — are pasteurized. But most whole eggs sold in cartons are not pasteurized on the inside, Dr. Trmčić said. You need to properly cook them to kill pathogens like avian flu, but also more common germs like salmonella.

There is no evidence bird flu is currently more easily spread human-to-human, although there is always a chance the virus may evolve to more easily transmit among humans. Most human infections with bird flu can be traced to unprotected close contact with ill or dead animals.

Can a dog get H5N1 influenza from eating bird poop? Potentially. It would have to be fairly fresh poop from an infected bird, with enough of a viral load to cause infection (but we don't know how much of a load that is for a dog). I'd say the risk is pretty limited in most situations.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus Infection Reported in a Person in the U.S. April 1, 2024—A person in the United States has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus (“H5N1 bird flu”), as reported by Texas and confirmed by CDC.

Living with avian flu may mean a week or two of living with mild symptoms that get better over time. Rest and fluids will help.

However, highly pathogenic avian influenza virus can make cows sick, and the flu virus's presence in herds in several states and new federal restrictions on the movement of dairy cows between states are putting economic pressure on farmers.

Poultry producers and backyard flock owners should maintain consistent biosecurity practices year-round. Does AI affect pet birds (e.g. parrots, parakeets)? Pet birds are susceptible to avian influenza.

How does influenza affect my animal? In mammals, the most common clinical signs of influenza include, fever, cough, nasal discharge (“runny” nose) and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, death can occur. Infected waterfowl do not usually show signs of illness.

Wild birds can be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and show no signs of illness. They can carry the disease to new areas when migrating, potentially exposing domestic poultry to the virus.