Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1), “bird flu” Toolkit
Updated May 2024
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.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as “bird flu,” is a severe and highly contagious disease in avian species. Caused by avian influenza A viruses, it’s often spread by wild birds like ducks and geese during their migrations, especially during the spring and fall. When spread to domestic poultry, like chickens and turkeys, HPAI can be deadly and wipe out entire flocks in just a matter of days. Outbreaks of HPAI can result in culling entire flocks, loss of income, and an overwhelming toll on farmers’ and workers’ physical and mental health. HPAI requires a rapid response to keep the virus from spreading between flocks and farms.
H5N1 influenza, a virus known for causing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has been making birds ill and resulting in fatalities among wild birds as well as commercial and backyard poultry in the U.S. since 2022.
In March 2024, the virus infected dairy cattle for the first time and has been detected in dairy cattle in multiple states. One dairy worker in Texas tested positive for influenza A(H5N1) after exposure to infected dairy cattle, and recently, cats fed raw milk from H5N1-infected cows were also found to be infected with H5N1.
The commercial, pasteurized dairy supply remains safe, and risk to the public remains low. At-risk individuals, like workers handling sick animals, can take steps to protect themselves.
UMASH has prepared this toolkit to help 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.
Contact us with questions.
UNDERSTAND AVIAN INFLUENZA
Be informed by learning the facts, and latest information on avian influenza outbreaks.
- H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary (CDC)
- HPAI Detections in Livestock (APHIS)
- Information on Bird Flu
- Avian Influenza (definition)
- Fast Facts
- Disease Images
- HPAI Mapping Tool (Minnesota Board of Animal Health)
PRACTICE BIOSECURITY
Be prepared with a biosecurity plan. These plans, and properly using PPE, can help prevent the spread and protect your flock, herd, and workers.
- Biosecurity 101 (poultry, dairy)
- Biosecurity Planning (poultry, dairy)
- VIDEO: Biosecurity Practices to Protect Your Poultry (English, Spanish)
- Handwashing posters (English, Spanish)
- Avian Influenza Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines
- HPAI Mapping Tool (Minnesota Board of Animal Health)
MONITOR YOUR ANIMAL AND WORKER HEALTH
Know the signs of disease and check your flock and herd daily for signs of illness. Workers should also self-monitor for symptoms of illness when working with sick or potentially infected animals.
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.
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.
Symptoms of avian influenza virus infection in humans:
- Fever (Temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater) or feeling feverish/chills*
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Difficulty breathing/Shortness of breath
- Eye tearing, redness, or irritation
- Headaches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Diarrhea
*Fever may not always be present
Call your state/local health department immediately if you develop any illness signs or symptoms if you were recently around poultry, wild birds, or other animals, found to be infected with avian influenza viruses (“bird flu” viruses).
REPORT SICK BIRDS, LIVESTOCK
Know the procedure for reporting sick birds and livestock in your state.
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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
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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.
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South Dakota
Dr. Mendel Miller
Acting State Veterinarian, SD Animal Industry Board
Phone: 605-773-3321
E-mail : mendel.miller@state.sd.us
Health Certificate Email: aibmail@state.sd.us -
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.
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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
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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.
RESOURCES BY ROLE:
For more information about H5N1 and Biosecurity:
- USDA “Defend the Flock” Biosecurity Page – USDA’s Defend the Flock education program offers free tools and resources to help everyone who works with or handles poultry follow proper biosecurity practices.
- CDC Information on Avian Flu – The Centers for Disease Control compiles updated information about bird flu, or avian influenza.
- Center for Food Security and Public Health (Iowa State University) – Iowa State University provides technical and fast facts about avian influenza, including disease images and prevention strategies.
- UMN Extension Poultry Biosecurity – University of Minnesota Extension compiles biosecurity resources for poultry operations.
- PoultryBiosecurity.org – PoultryBiosecurity has resources to help poultry producers create and implement a biosecurity plan, including checklists, documentation, signage, handouts, videos, and training.
HPAI NEWS