Bird Flu Outbreaks: Understanding the Risks and How to Protect Yourself

This article was updated January 2025

The H5N1 bird flu has been spreading among wild birds worldwide, causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy farms within the U.S. this year. Even though the risk to the general public is relatively low, people who work closely with cows, chickens or wild birds should be very careful and follow all the safety rules.

There have been 67 reported cases of bird flu in humans so far in 2025, including one death. 

“At this point, bird flu is a low risk for the general population,” says Edward Liu, M.D., an infectious disease specialist in Neptune, New Jersey. “People who have more contact with dairy cows, poultry or wild birds might be at risk. Public health departments and their hospital partners are testing flu cases to make sure human-to-human transmission has not developed with bird flu.”

Here’s what you should know about bird flu:

What Is Bird Flu?

Bird flu, also called avian flu, is a type of influenza A virus. It spreads among certain wild birds and may spread to other species.

The bird flu typically affects wild water birds, such as:

• Ducks
• Geese
• Swans
• Storks

Some chickens and turkeys on poultry farms catch bird flu from wild birds. The virus has spread to poultry farms in 5 states.

Dairy cows have also contracted bird flu this year. The virus has affected dairy farms in 4 states.

What Happens When Farm Animals Get Bird Flu?

 When chickens or turkeys have bird flu, the birds unfortunately need to be euthanized. This action is taken to help stop the spread of the infection on farms.

“As domestic poultry cases occur, we are now seeing increased prices of poultry and eggs,” Dr. Liu says. 

Some diseases do spread from animals to humans, but it’s unlikely for bird flu. The CDC and FDA are partnering to expand testing, prevention efforts, and treatments, including vaccine development. Increased testing will be necessary to monitor for any person-to-person transmission, which would be more concerning.

Most people who caught bird flu this year got it from being around dairy cows, chicken farms or places where sick birds are put down. Basic personal protective equipment, such as gloves and washing hands with soap and water, can protect agriculture workers.

Should People Change Their Habits Because of Bird Flu?

At this point, bird flu has only affected one person in the U.S. who doesn’t work with farm animals. You shouldn’t need to act differently to reduce your risk.

You can still do all of the following activities:

Eat poultry. Poultry that makes it to the supermarket isn’t affected by bird flu. Even if it was, you wouldn’t be at risk of contracting bird flu.

“When you’re heating meat to the appropriate temperatures, the cooking process kills viruses and bacteria,” Dr. Liu says.

Consume dairy products. It’s safe to have food and beverages made from pasteurized cow’s milk. Avoid raw, unpasteurized dairy products.

“The pasteurization process kills off viruses and bacteria, keeping us safe,” Dr. Liu says.

Attract wild birds to your yard. You may keep your bird feeder, but clean it periodically.

“You don’t want the feeder to be contaminated,” Dr. Liu says. “Clean it to protect the birds.”

Avoid Potentially Risky Situations

These common-sense habits may help reduce your risk of bird flu:

• Monitor backyard chickens. If you have a chicken coop, be mindful that your birds may contract bird flu. Seek advice from your veterinarian as needed.
  • “Pay attention if the birds aren’t acting right,” Dr. Liu says. “[Maybe] they had exposure to a wild bird that transmitted the virus to them. Wash hands thoroughly to protect yourself.”
    
    
• Steer clear of “wet” markets when traveling. International markets that are brimming with live animals for sale may be risky destinations.
  • “Markets with a lot of animals together may not be the best place to spend time,” Dr. Liu says. “All it requires is some sick animals, and there could be exposure.”
    
    
• Avoid dead wild birds. If you see dead birds in parks or your neighborhood, leave them be. If it’s on your property, dispose of it without touching it.
  • To remove a dead bird, wear disposable gloves. Place the bird in a plastic bag in the trash, then wash your hands.
  • Immune-compromised individuals should have a relative or neighbor handle the bird.
  • “If you don’t have anyone else that can clean up the dead bird and your immune system is weak,” Dr. Liu says, “use a mask and gloves and wash up very well afterwards.”

What to Do If You Suspect Illness

If you get sick soon after a bird encounter, get checked out. Bird flu is an unlikely diagnosis, but doctors or an urgent care can confirm.

“At the hospital, we have sophisticated tests that check for multiple flu strains,” Dr. Liu says. “Newer tests can determine if the flu is type A or B. Bird flu is a type A virus.”

Patients who test positive for flu may receive antiviral treatments. However, most people will never be diagnosed with bird flu.

“People should just keep an eye on bird flu surveillance and not be overly worried at this point,” Dr. Liu says.

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Edward Liu, M.D.
• To make an appointment with Dr. Liu or a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.