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H5N1(avian influenza) Toolkit

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1), “bird flu” Toolkit

While the current risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) to the public is low, those who handle or care for infected animals, like poultry or cattle, could be at risk of getting sick.

Updated January 2025

What is HPAI?

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or “bird flu,” is a severe and contagious disease in birds. Often spread by wild species like ducks and geese, it is caused by avian influenza A viruses. When spread to domestic poultry such as chickens and turkeys, it can be deadly, sometimes wiping out entire flocks within days. Outbreaks often result in culling flocks, loss of income, and significant physical and mental stress for farmers and workers. HPAI requires a rapid response to keep the virus from spreading between flocks and farms.

What is H5N1 and the Current Situation?

H5N1 bird flu virus, known for causing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has been causing illness and deaths in wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks in the U.S since 2022.  In March 2024, the virus infected dairy cattle for the first time and has since spread to cattle in multiple states in the U.S. This virus has also been found in other mammals, including cats.  

Since March 2024, 68 human cases of influenza A (H5) have been confirmed, involving dairy and poultry workers exposed to infected animals. However, there currently is no evidence of human-to-human spread. 

The commercial, pasteurized dairy supply remains safe and risk to the public remains low. However, at-risk individuals, like workers handling sick animals, can take steps to protect themselves.

UMASH BIRD FLU TOOLKIT

UMASH has prepared a toolkit to help poultry and dairy farmers prevent the spread of HPAI and H5N1 on their farms. It includes biosecurity protocols, guidance on recognizing avian influenza symptoms in livestock, and links to additional resources.

Please Contact Us with Questions.

How Does Bird Flu Spread to Humans?

While avian influenza A viruses, including H5N1, rarely infect humans, transmission can occur through unprotected, direct or close contact with sick or dead animals, their secretions, or contaminated surfaces. Currently, there is no evidence of human-to-human spread of the current A(H5N1) bird flu viruses.

How Bird Flu Spreads to Humans

People can get bird flu if the virus enters their eyes, nose, mouth, or is inhaled. This may happen through droplets, dust in the air, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.

This virus could spread from animals to people in several ways: 

  •  If you touch something contaminated with the virus and touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • If a liquid contaminated with live virus splashes into your eyes (like raw cow’s milk from an infected cow, for example).
  • If you eat, drink, or inhale droplets contaminated with virus.
  • If you handle sick or dead animals infected with the virus.

What are the Symptoms in Humans?

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and are similar to other viruses, like the flu.

Symptoms in Humans

Symptoms may include:

  • Eye redness (conjunctivitis or “pink eye”)
  • Cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue
  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, seizures (less common)

If you experience these symptoms after working with potentially infected animals, seek medical attention immediately.

How Can I Protect Myself and Others?

If you work with animals or materials that could be infected or contaminated with H5N1 bird flu, you should take steps to reduce your exposure. Exposure can come from sick animals or their milk, feces, urine, litter, contaminated materials like bedding and straw, or raw (unpasteurized) milk. Surfaces and water like waterers, troughs, or ponds, may be contaminated with infected animal waste.

What You Can Do to Stop the Spread and Stay Safe

Avoid Exposure to Infected Animals

  • Stay away from sick or dead animals (wild birds, poultry, or livestock).
  • Avoid contact with animal waste, bedding, and unpasteurized milk.

Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wear properly fitted PPE that is appropriate for the work at hand. Those working in dairy with high exposure levels are recommended to wear PPE. Employers should provide PPE at no cost to the employee. Donning and doffing PPE should occur during work hours. See the CDC page for more on preventing exposure before, during, and after wearing PPE.

In medium or high exposure settings, use personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize risks. PPE recommendations include:

  • Respirator: Protects against inhaling droplets and prevents touching your mouth.
  • Goggles: Shields your eyes from splashes and discourages touching your face.
  • Gloves: Protect your hands from direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
  • Fluid-resistant coveralls and boots: Prevents contamination of your clothing and footwear.

High exposure settings (e.g., handling infected animals or raw milk) may require additional PPE, such as:

  • NIOSH-approved particulate respirators.
  • Waterproof aprons over coveralls.
  • Face shields and head or hair covers.

Practice Proper Handwashing

  • Properly wash hands often, avoid face touching.  UMASH has created FREE handwashing resources to help you prevent the spread of illness.

Avoid Raw Milk

  • Dairy farmworkers sometimes bring raw milk home ((milk that has not been pasteurized). Consuming raw milk can lead to illnesses and even life-threatening conditions for both humans and animals.  The commercial milk supply in the U.S is safe to drink due to pasteurization, the process of heating raw milk for a specific length of time in order to kill bacteria and viruses.

Monitor Symptoms

Workers in contact with infected animals should monitor for symptoms. Notify your healthcare provider and veterinarian immediately if symptoms develop.

 

The CDC offers more specific guidelines for worker protection, PPE use, and monitoring symptoms of avian influenza (H5N1) infections in people.

AVIAN FLU (H5N1/HPAI) TOOLKIT


DAIRY RESOURCES

UNDERSTAND AVIAN INLUENZA AND CURRENT SITUATION IN DAIRY

Be informed by learning the facts about H5N1 and latest information on avian influenza outbreaks in dairy herds.

PRACTICE BIOSECUIRTY ON DAIRY FARMS

Be prepared with a biosecurity plan. These plans, along with proper PPE, can help prevent the spread and protect your herd, and workers.

RESOURCES FOR DAIRY PRODUCERS AND WORKERS
  • Recommendations for employers to prevent H5N1 and reduce the spread (CDC) 
RESOURCES FOR CLINICANS AND VETERNARIANS

 

POULTRY RESOURCES

UNDERSTAND AVIAN INLUENZA AND CURRENT SITUATION IN POULTRY

Be informed by learning the facts about HPAI and latest information on avian influenza outbreaks in poultry.

PRACTICE BIOSECUIRTY ON POULTRY FARMS

Be prepared with a biosecurity plan. These plans, along with proper PPE, can help prevent the spread and protect your flock, and workers.

RESOURCES FOR POULTRY PRODUCERS AND WORKERS
RESOURCES FOR SMALL FLOCKS

MONITOR ANIMAL  HEALTH

Know the signs of disease and check your flock and herd daily for signs of illness. Different animals may show different symptoms –the virus is often fatal in poultry, while cows may experience mild symptoms. Workers should also self-monitor for symptoms of illness when working with sick or potentially infected animals.

FOR DAIRY

Signs of Disease in Dairy Cattle:

  • Common clinical signs in affected cows include low appetite, reduced milk production, and abnormal appearance of milk. (thickened, discolored)
  • If you observe clinical signs in your herd consistent with this outbreak, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Quarantine Sick Animals Right Away.

FOR POULTRY

Signs of Disease in Avian/Flocks:

  • Sudden Death
  • Lack of Energy, Appetite and Coordination
  • Purple Discoloration and/or Swelling of Various Body Parts
  • Diarrhea; Nasal Discharge; Coughing
  • Sneezing; Reduced Egg Production and/or Abnormal Eggs
  • Familiarize Yourself with Images of Avian Influenza Disease.

Quarantine Sick Animals Right Away.

REPORT SICK BIRDS AND LIVESTOCK

Know the procedure for reporting sick birds and livestock in your state, how to request testing, and what to do if workers have come into contact with infected animals. View Upper Midwest Contact info and resources below.

Minnesota

  • Minnesota

    Minnesota Avian Influenza Hotline:
    1-833-454-0156
    Press 1     to report a sick domestic bird. Press 2 to report a sick or dead wild bird. Press 3 for biosecurity and general poultry management questions. Press 4 for permitting and control areas. Press 5 for all other inquiries.

    Dairy workers, flock or herd owners, or persons who had close contact with infected animals: Contact Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) at 651-201-5414 or 1-877-676-5414

  • HPAI Mapping Tool (Minnesota Board of Animal Health)
Iowa

  • Iowa

    If producers suspect signs of avian flu in their animals, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases should also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture at 515-281-5305. Concerned residents both within and outside the areas affected by avian influenza are encouraged to use the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985 if they have questions.

South Dakota

  • South Dakota 

    State Veterinarian: Beth Thompson
    South Dakota Animal Industry Board
    411 South Fort Street
    Pierre, SD 57501
    Ph: 605.773.3321
    Fax: 605.773.5459

North Dakota

  • North Dakota

    All bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, should continue to practice good biosecurity, prevent contact between their birds and wild birds, and immediately report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through the state veterinarian at 701-328-2655 or your private veterinarian.

Michigan

  • Michigan

    The following hotlines are available for reporting suspected HPAI infections.
    DOMESTIC BIRDS:
    800-292-3939 (daytime); 517-373-0440 (after-hours)
    WILD BIRDS:
    517-336-5030

Wisconsin

To report a disease, contact the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) using one of the​ methods below to ensure the report will reach DATCP within the time limit:
Phone: 608-224-4872, Mon-Fri, 7:45am-4:30pm
Email: DATCPAnimalImports@wisconsin.gov
Evenings & Weekends: (800) 943-0003. Tell the duty officer you are reporting a potential animal disease.

VIDEOS

    Guía de Influenza A (H5N1) para Trabajadores de Granjas Lecheras y Avícolas

    Influenza A (H5N1) Guidance for Dairy Workers

    This video from the Minnesota Department of Health provides guidance for dairy workers, including an overview of avian influenza, steps to protect yourself and prevent spread, and what to do if you suspect infection. The video is provided in Spanish. English subtitles are available.

    Personal Protection Equipment Recommendations for Dairy Workers During an H5N1 Outbreak

    Educators Martin J Mangual and Paola Bacigalupo Sanguesa showcase the recommended personal protection equipment (PPE) that dairy workers should use to mitigate the risk of infection while working on herds positive for the H5N1 virus.

      Protección Personal Contra la Gripe Aviar Para Trabajadores de Lecherías

      La educadora Paola Bacigalupo Sanguesa de la Universidad Estatal de Michigan discute el equipo y prácticas recomendadas para reducir el riesgo de infección del virus H5N1.

      AVIAN FLU NEWS

      • May 5, 2022
        SPOTLIGHT: UMASH Center Director Answers Avian Influenza FAQsMAY 2022 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as “bird flu,” is a serious, highly contagious disease that is often fatal to chickens and turkeys. As a record outbreak among domestic and wild birds’ spreads across the nation, UMASH Center Director, Dr. Jeff Bender, responded to frequently asked questions in Talking Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza with the U of M. The article is reprinted below with permission Talking Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza with the U of M Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, is an extremely contagious viral illness that affects both wild birds and livestock, such as chicken and turkeys. As HPAI cases continue to rise in the U.S., University of Minnesota School of Public Health Professor Jeff Bender shares his expertise on the disease.   For more resources on HPAI, check out the UMASH toolkit. About the School of Public Health The University of Minnesota School of Public Health improves the health and wellbeing of populations and communities around the world by bringing innovative research, learning, and concrete actions to today’s biggest health challenges. It prepares some of the most influential leaders in the field, and partner with health departments, communities, and policymakers to advance health for all. Learn more at sph.umn.edu. About “Talking…with U of M” “Talking…with U of M” is a resource whereby University of Minnesota faculty answer questions on current and other topics of general interest. Feel free to republish this content. If you would like to schedule an interview with the faculty member or have topics you’d like the University of Minnesota to explore for future “Talking…with U of M,” please contact University Public Relations at unews@umn.edu. HPAI TOOLKIT [...] Read more...
      • April 3, 2024
        Safeguard your farm: Protect you and your livestock from HPAIUPDATED NOVEMBER 2024 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, avian influenza, or H5N1, is a severe and highly contagious disease caused by the avian influenza virus A (H5N1). This virus is frequently spread with wild birds such as ducks and geese during their migrations. When HPAI infects domestic poultry, including chickens and turkeys, it is highly contagious and deadly, often wiping out entire flocks in just a few days. Traditionally, HPAI primarily affects birds and some mammals. However, for the first time in U.S. history, there have been detections of Influenza A (H5N1) infections in livestock, including dairy cows. Since March 2024, 65 human cases of influenza A (H5) have been confirmed, involving four dairy workers and seven poultry workers after exposure to infected animals. In June and July 2024, avian influenza was confirmed in dairy herds in Minnesota and Iowa among several other states in the U.S. The overall risk to the public remains low. However, individuals who handle or care for infected animals, such as poultry or cattle, could be at an increased risk of getting sick. HUMAN INFECTION Avian (bird) influenza (flu) A viruses, including A (H5N1), do not usually infect humans. However, there have been some rare cases of human infection with these viruses mainly through unprotected, direct physical contact or close exposure with sick or dead birds, and infected animals (including, recently, infected dairy cattle livestock). Find more specific recommendations, like wearing proper PPE (personal protective equipment), for farmers; poultry, backyard flock, and livestock owners; and workers. Read more about milk safety and supply during HPAI outbreaks. Guía de Influenza A (H5N1) para Trabajadores de Granjas Lecheras y Avícolas Influenza A (H5N1) Guidance for Dairy Workers This video from the Minnesota Department of Health provides guidance for dairy workers, including an overview of avian influenza, steps to protect yourself and prevent spread, and what to do if you suspect infection. The video is provided in Spanish. English subtitles are available. Personal protection equipment recommendations for dairy workers during an H5N1 outbreak These videos available in English and Spanish from Michigan State University Extension shares recommended personal protection equipment (PPE) that dairy workers should use to mitigate the risk of infection while working on herds positive for the H5N1 virus.     Learn more about HPAI in dairy herds in this USDA Q and A, and how to protect your livestock from avian influenza and what cattle and beef producers can do to reduce livestock and avian interaction with resources from University of Minnesota Extension. Learn more from Dr. Jeff Bender Explore further insights on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) through published articles and interviews featuring UMASH Director and University of Minnesota School of Public Health Professor, Jeff Bender, DVM, as he answers key questions about H5N1 among wild birds, poultry and dairy. Avian Flu on Dairy Farms: What Clinicians and Dairy Worker Patients Need to Know April 17, 2024 – Migrant Clinicians Network Bird flu affecting livestock spreads April 5, 2024 – Ag Update’s Agri-View Bird flu outbreak poses no risk to safety of America’s food supply, say experts April 4, 2024 – ABC News Bird flu confirmed in Texas worker who had contact with dairy cows April 1, 2024 – NBC News Avian flu detections in dairy cows raise more key questions March 27, 2024 – Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy (CIDRAP) Avian influenza found in US dairy cattle March 26, 2024 – Agriculture Dive Talking Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza with Jeff Bender April 20, 2022 – University of Minnesota School of Public Health [...] Read more...
      • February 15, 2023
        SPOTLIGHT: Promoting safety and health during avian influenza outbreaksFEBRUARY 2023 Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continue to occur across the United States and globally. A recent NIOSH blog post, written by Carolyn Sheridan, RN, BSN; Jenna Gibbs, MPH, PhD; Matthew Spencer, CSP, SHRM-CP; John Gibbins, DVM, MPH, highlights efforts during the outbreak to communicate about HPAI, its risks to workers, and prevention strategies.  UMASH RESPONDS TO HPAI UMASH has responded to the HPAI outbreak by developing a toolkit to help small, backyard, and large-scale poultry farmers enhance prevention with biosecurity protocols, identify the signs and symptoms of HPAI in birds, and stay connected to additional resources from USDA – APHIS and state departments of agriculture. We have also served as a resource for many so far during the outbreak, including Ag Health and Safety Alliance™, who recently added HPAI information into their Gear Up for Ag™ programs. Gear Up for Ag™  has provided safety and health training for more than 6,000 young adults who work with livestock in the U.S. UMASH also partnered with Agrisafe Network™, Ag Health and Safety Alliance™, Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health, and Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, to update a resource about personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers during avian flu outbreaks. RESOURCES [...] Read more...