Bird lovers as well as those who enjoy interactions with many types of animals, are now on notice that there is a form of a virus, bird flu, influenza that can present a danger to humans. The concern is not high at this moment because it generally does not affect humans, but recently there have been two cases of individuals being infected. What do we know so far?

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus, sometimes known as the “H5N1 bird flu,” has been detected in an American, according to a Texas report and CDC confirmation. In the US, this is the second person whose test results for influenza A(H5N1) viruses have been released. In Colorado, there was a prior human instance in 2022.

Following the discovery of outbreaks in U.S. wild birds and poultry in late 2021, the CDC has been keeping an eye out for disease in humans exposed to birds infected with the H5 virus. People who have contracted the H5N1 avian flu have experienced a range of symptoms, from mild eye infections and respiratory problems, to severe cases like pneumonia, which have resulted in fatalities in other countries.

How should anyone protect themselves. There are a number of things that you need to consider, even though there is no serious concern at present. But considering that people in foreign countries have had fatalities related to this bird flu, it is always wise to take precautions.

The CDC advises avoiding direct contact with sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, and other domesticated or wild animals like cattle. Additionally, contact with animal carcasses, raw milk, feces, litter, and materials contaminated by birds or other animals with a confirmed or suspected virus infection should be avoided.

Unpasteurized (raw) milk and products manufactured from raw milk, such as cheeses, should not be prepared or consumed by humans if they come from animals that have been proven or suspected to have a virus infection (avian influenza or bird flu). The issue here is that the product must have come from an animal that has been confirmed to have the virus. It is assumed that farmers would not allow this food or other items to enter the food chain, but there is always concern. Egg farmers have begun to cull their flocks after contaminated hens were found.

To date, the virus has been responsible for the destruction of millions of hens, and we know that 32 dairy herds in eight U.S. states: Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and South Dakota have been infected. Birds that are affected, in addition to egg-producing flocks, are backyard chickens, seabirds, shorebirds, and migratory species. The virus has been discovered in all 50 states and bird mortality has been high in 48 states. It is, therefore, a serious concern for anyone who produces eggs or has a flock of their own at home.

The latest evidence of exposure to this virus has been found, not only in dairy cows, but in baby goats and pigs. Therefore, it appears that the virus has the ability to jump from one species to another, and we know it can be contracted by humans. There is no vaccine currently for animals to protect them against this virus.

If you come into contact with these animals or wild birds, remember to use protective coverings and wash your hands well afterwards. The problem, of course, remains that you would not know if any birds coming to your feeders were infected, and they may be depositing the virus in your yard or on any furniture that might be in the area. It's not a good day for bird lovers, but all of us must deal with what nature will throw at us.