EMERGING ISSUES | AVIAN INFLUENZA | EVENTS | CONTACT

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 November 2024

What is HPAI?

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. Since March 2024, 53 human cases of influenza A (H5) have been confirmed, involving dairy and poultry workers after exposure to infected animals.

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 and dairy farmers enhance prevention with biosecurity protocols, identify the signs and symptoms of avian influenza in livestock, and stay connected to additional resources from CDC, USDA – APHIS and state departments of agriculture.

Please contact us with questions.

HPAI TOOLKIT

UNDERSTAND AVIAN INFLUENZA

Be informed by learning the facts about H5N1 and HPAI, and latest information on avian influenza outbreaks.

VIEW RESOURCES

PRACTICE BIOSECURITY

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

VIEW RESOURCES

MONITOR 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.

VIEW RESOURCES

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.

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 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

  • 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

  • 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

    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.

  • 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.

RESOURCES BY ROLE:

  •  

HPAI RESOURCES FOR FARM WORKERS:

HPAI RESOURCES FOR FARMERS AND PRODUCERS:

 

 

Resources for Small and Backyard Flocks

VIEW RESOURCES

Avian Flu and Your SafetyGuidance for Dairy Workers

Resource from Migrant Clinicians Network with tips for protecting dairy workers, and signs and symptoms of infection.

ENGLISH  |  SPANISH

|

Avian Influenza Guidance for Dairy Workers

Resource from UNMC Center for Agricultural Safety and Health with tips for protecting dairy workers, and signs and symptoms of infection.

ENGLISH

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.

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.

For more information about H5N1 and Biosecurity:

HPAI NEWS

  • 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, 46 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...
  • 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 equity 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...
  • 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...