Understanding Avian Influenza: What You Need to Know

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a contagious viral disease that primarily affects domestic and wild birds. While the risk to humans remains low, it's essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

Current Situation

As of December 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that H5N1 avian influenza is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers. While the current public health risk is low, the CDC is monitoring the situation closely and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures. CDC

Transmission to Humans

Human infections with avian influenza are rare and typically occur after close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. Symptoms in humans can range from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and, in severe cases, pneumonia. It's important to note that there is currently no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission. CDC

Precautions for Residents

To minimize the risk of infection:

• Avoid Contact with Wild Birds: Do not handle wild birds, especially those that appear sick or have died.

• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling birds or visiting areas where birds are present.

• Report Sick or Dead Birds: If you encounter sick or dead birds, contact local wildlife authorities to report the findings.

• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with information from reliable sources such as the CDC and the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

Local Resources

For more detailed information and updates specific to Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission's Avian Influenza page.

Conclusion

While the risk of avian influenza to humans remains low, it's crucial to stay informed and practice preventive measures. By doing so, we can help protect ourselves, our community, and our local wildlife.

If you'd like to report unusual bird activity, you may do so by clicking here.