Avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu or novel influenza, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can occasionally infect humans and other animals. Human infections with avian influenza viruses are rare but can occur when enough virus enters a person's eyes, nose, or mouth, or is inhaled. Transmission may happen when the virus is airborne (in droplets or dust) and inhaled, or when a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose.

According to the CDC, the risk of bird flu to the general public remains low. People rarely get bird flu; however, those with close or prolonged unprotected contact with infected birds, such as sick or dead poultry or waterfowl, or other infected animals, such as dairy cows, or their contaminated environments, are at greater risk of infection.

Although human-to-human spread of this virus has been limited, there is a possibility that bird flu viruses could mutate and become easily transmissible between people. For this reason, avian influenza viruses are closely monitored by public health officials worldwide due to their potential to cause serious illness and trigger a pandemic.

Symptoms of bird flu in humans can range from mild to severe and typically appear within two to seven days after exposure, though eye redness and irritation may present sooner, within one to two days. Mild signs and symptoms may include:

• Eye redness and irritation (conjunctivitis)*
• Fever (100.4°F / 37.8°C or higher) or greater or feeling feverish
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Fatigue

*Eye redness has been the most reported symptom among recent U.S. cases of avian influenza virus infection.

Signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe cases: symptoms may progress to high fever, shortness of breath, altered consciousness, and seizures.

• Fatigue or lethargy and lack of appetite
• An abnormal drop in egg production or softened/misshapen eggs
• Swelling or discoloration of the head, eyelids, and comb
• Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs
• Stumbling, falling, or other coordination issues
• Diarrhea
• Sudden death

Protecting yourself from bird flu involves taking precautions around sick or dead birds and their environments, especially in areas where outbreaks have been reported.

1. Cover chicken coops and runs to prevent contact with waterfowl.
2. Wear dedicated clothing and footwear when working with birds.
3. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after working with birds.
4. Avoid all contact with wild waterfowl or shared water sources by covering ponds with netting or fencing your birds away from those areas.
5. Change food and water daily, and store all feed in airtight containers.
6. Remove birdhouses, bird feeders, and baths that attract wild birds.
7. Clean and disinfect equipment in contact with birds or bird droppings.
8. After visiting places where poultry owners congregate, clean and disinfect your boots before caring for your own birds.
9. Wash your hands with soap and water after any contact with birds or their environments.
10. Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165ºF.
11. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks, when working with birds or in poultry facilities.
12. Keep pet birds away from wild birds.
13. If H5 bird flu is confirmed in a flock, wear PPE in all contaminated areas, including coops, runs, and barns. During cleanup, minimize airborne particles by avoiding activities that stir up dust, droppings, or feathers.

1. Limit exposure to wildlife, especially sick or dead animals.
2. Keep pets indoors, particularly cats that may encounter infected birds.
3. Do not feed your pets raw or undercooked meat, raw milk, or other raw dairy products.
4. Change clothes and clean and disinfect footwear after visiting farms or parks where migratory waterfowl are present.
5. Monitor your pets’ health and consult a veterinarian if they show signs of illness.

1. Field dress and prepare game in an outdoor or well-ventilated area. 
2. Do not handle or eat sick or visibly diseased game.
3. Avoid smoking, using smokeless tobacco, eating, or drinking while handling animals.
4. Wear rubber or disposable gloves when handling and cleaning game. If possible, also wear an N95 respirator or well-fitting face mask and eye protection while dressing birds.
5. After handling game, dispose of gloves and any face coverings, wash your hands thoroughly, and clean all knives, equipment, and surfaces that came into contact with the game.
6. Cook all game thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming.

Avoid exposure to potential sources of infection by not handling sick or dead birds, their droppings, or contaminated environments. If you must dispose of dead birds on your property, use appropriate PPE.

1. Do not use bare hands to pick up any dead bird or animal.
2. Use disposable waterproof gloves or an inverted plastic bag to pick up the dead bird.
3. Place the bird in a plastic bag, double-bag it, and dispose of it in a trash receptacle that cannot be accessed by children or animals.
4. Consider wearing a raincoat or disposable plastic bag over your clothes for additional protection.
5. Wear safety goggles and an N95 mask to protect your eyes, nose, and mouth.
6. Avoid touching your face with gloved or unwashed hands while handling the bird.
7. Once the bird has been disposed of, remove gloves first by turning them inside out, and place them in a plastic bag for disposal.
8. Remove your mask and goggles.
9. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
10. Discard all disposable equipment, such as masks and gloves, and disinfect reusable items, such as safety goggles, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
11. Wash clothes in a washing machine using detergent and the hot water cycle.

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District does not collect and test birds for avian influenza. For questions about wildlife and avian flu, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

• CUPHD Bird Flu Fact Sheets (English, Spanish and French)
• CDC A(H5) Bird Flu: Current Situation
• CDC: Wastewater Data for Avian Influenza
• CDC: Information for Workers Exposed to H5N1
• IDPH: Health Care Personnel Exposure
• Bird Disposal Five or More
• Bird Disposal less than Five

Last updated: March 31, 2026