You may have heard about the current outbreak of bird flu that’s been identified in the United States. Currently, the risk of bird flu infection throughout the country is low. The risk of bird flu infection in Philadelphia is also low.  

The reason that bird flu (also known avian influenza, H5N1 and HPAI) is in the news is that it’s making our milk-producing cows sick and people who work with affected poultry and cows have also become sick. That’s unusual and it’s why people are paying attention to this disease. Usually, bird flu spreads in wild birds and poultry, such as chickens and turkeys. Sometimes it can make mammals, including people, sick. 

Bird flu is affecting dairy cows for the first time 

The current outbreak in wild birds, poultry and mammals began in February 2022. Wild aquatic birds, such as ducks and geese, are the most common carriers of bird flu. Many may be infected but don’t look sick. They can transfer the virus to other animals. Bird flu is very deadly to domestic chickens and several species of mammals, such as seals, foxes and skunks.  

In March 2024, we saw the first reported cases of bird flu in dairy cows in Texas, followed by the second human infection in the United States (the first human infection occurred in 2022). A total of nine people have now tested positive, all after exposure to dairy cows and poultry. While bird flu has been deadly to humans in previous outbreaks around the world, these farm workers only had mild to moderate symptoms.  

What does this mean for you?

As of July 19, 163 dairy herds across 13 states have tested positive for this bird flu. Bird flu is not a big risk to most Philadelphians. But there are things you can do to keep it that way. 

Everyone who has developed bird flu has had direct contact with poultry or dairy cows. While the risk of becoming infected remains very low, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself: 

  • Avoid direct, unprotected contact with wild birds and other animals that have or may have bird flu. Wild birds can be infected even if they don’t look sick. 
  • Report sick birds or other animals or unusual bird or other animal deaths to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (833-PGC-Hunt), state veterinarian or USDA (866-536-7593). 

Can you get bird flu from milk and eggs? 

Commercial milk sold in grocery and other food stores is safe to drink. That’s because commercial milk has been pasteurized. Pasteurization is a process that heats milk to kill bacteria and viruses.   

Unpasteurized milk, commonly referred to as raw milk, can carry dangerous bacteria and viruses that can make you very sick and even cause life-threatening illness. The health department, doctors and experts across the country strongly advise against drinking raw milk because it can be so dangerous. Studies have shown that in a 20-year period, more than 2,500 people have gotten sick from drinking raw milk, and three people died. 

Some people online will tell you that raw milk is better for you or can protect you from bacteria or viruses. That is wrong and dangerous. 

Just to be safe, here are some tips to help protect you from bird flu and other bacteria or viruses that might be lurking in your food: 

What about the birds in your life?

Songbirds and other typical feeder birds don’t usually carry bird flu viruses. It’s generally safe to keep your birdfeeder out for them. However, you may want to temporarily remove it if you also raise chickens or turkeys because they might expose your backyard birds to the virus. 

In general, it’s best to stay away from wild birds, such as geese and ducks, as they are common carriers of bird flu. Wild birds can have bird flu without appearing sick. 

Do you raise chickens? Here’s how to keep them safe

Domestic chickens are particularly susceptible to bird flu. Over half of the affected flocks since the start of the outbreak have been backyard flocks. If you care for chickens, here’s how to keep them – and you – safe: 

  • Prevent contact between your birds and wild fowl. Keep food and water protected and away from wild birds. Change the water at least once a day. 
  • Use dedicated coveralls and shoes when taking care of your birds. Change out of them before entering your home. 
  • Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, or nose after contact with wild or domestic birds or surfaces and materials that may be contaminated with their saliva, mucous or feces. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. 
  • Frequently monitor your birds for common signs of illness and immediately isolate any sick ones. Monitor for:

 

  • Sudden death without any prior illness 
  • Lack of energy and appetite 
  • Drop in egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs 
  • Swelling of eyelids, comb, wattles and shanks 
  • Purple discoloration of wattles, comb and legs 
  • Gasping for air 
  • Nasal discharge, coughing and sneezing 
  • Twisting of the head and neck (torticollis) 
  • Stumbling or falling down 
  • Diarrhea 

 

  • If you must handle sick poultry or their feces or litter, wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as coveralls, an N95 respirator, and gloves. Dispose of PPE properly and wash hands thoroughly. 
  • Report your sick birds to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services (717-772-2852, option 1) and sick or dead wild birds to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (833-PGC-Hunt) immediately. You can also contact the state veterinarian or USDA (866-536-7593). The health department may also ask you to monitor your symptoms over the next 10 days. 

 

Bird flu isn’t a big risk in Philadelphia, but it’s always better to be protected and ready if things change. 

Learn more about bird flu.