Dairy Cows

Bird Flu Frequently Asked Questions: Animals

  • by Elizabeth Georgian, Yajaira Ramirez Sigala, Fani Villaneuva

En español

Currently bird flu (also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza or H5N1) is affecting dairy and poultry farms across the country. Agricultural workers are also getting sick from bird flu after exposure to infected animals. We describe common symptoms, transmission, and recommended safety precautions in this article.

We have received numerous questions about bird flu from agricultural workers, community leaders, and producers. We provide answers below and will update this resource as more information becomes available. 

Bird Flu in Dairy Cattle

What are the symptoms of bird flu in dairy cattle?

The symptoms of bird flu infection in dairy cattle include reduced milk production, thicker milk, decrease in feed consumption, abnormal tacky or loose feces, lethargy, dehydration, and fever.

What movement restrictions are in place for dairy cattle?

In California, dairy cattle coming from a state with positive confirmations of bird flu must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection signed by a veterinarian within seven days before transport. Lactating dairy cattle moving interstate also require a negative bird flu test. Lactating dairy cattle with a positive test in the animal or in the herd are not eligible for interstate movement for 30 days, and dairy cattle with symptoms consistent with bird flu infection are also not eligible for interstate movement.

What are the jobs on a dairy that pose the most infection risk to agricultural workers?

In dairy cattle, the highest concentration of bird flu virus is found in the udders and raw milk. Therefore, jobs on the dairy that deal with feeding calves raw milk, milking, and treating sick cows pose the highest risk of infection to agricultural workers. Cow manure also contains bird flu virus. There is also a risk to workers removing manure.

Bird Flu in Backyard Poultry and Pets

The bird flu currently circulating in the U.S. can infect many different animals. It can infect backyard poultry like chickens, ducks, and turkeys. It can also infect pets such as cats and dogs. Below we answer questions specific to those who have pets and/or keep backyard poultry.

Bird flu mainly infects and spreads among wild water birds such as ducks and geese. Wild birds may not get sick or die from bird flu, but they can still spread it to other animals. Pets and backyard poultry can be exposed to the bird flu virus if they eat an infected animal (like a mouse or a bird), are exposed to the virus through dust or droppings, or if they drink milk from an infected cow. 

What are the symptoms in backyard poultry like chickens, ducks, and turkeys? 

Backyard poultry can get bird flu. The infection is very severe and often causes sudden death with no prior symptoms. It can also cause coughing or sneezing, extreme diarrhea, swelling and discoloration of the face, reduced egg production and/or misshapen eggs, and lack of coordination. Poultry that contract bird flu often die quickly, sometimes before other symptoms appear. There is no treatment for bird flu in poultry, so prevention is essential. 

What should you do if your backyard poultry get bird flu?

If your backyard poultry suddenly die or become severely ill, you must immediately report suspected bird flu to the state by calling the California Department of Food and Agriculture Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-2473. 

How can you prevent your flock from getting bird flu?

Practice biosecurity. Biosecurity is a set of measures meant to limit direct or indirect animal-to-animal transmission of disease as well as transmission to the surrounding environment and to people who come into contact with animals.

  • If introducing new birds into your flock, the new birds should be quarantined away from your flock for at least 30 days. Sick birds should not be added to your flock. Read more here.
  • Keep your flock away from wild birds and their droppings.
  • Keep your coop, run, feed, and drinking water clean and free from wild birds and rodents.
  • Prevent people who are not in your household from visiting your flock, especially if they have backyard poultry or work with animals.

How can you keep yourself healthy?

When cleaning the poultry coop and run, wear eye protection and an N95 respirator. Wash your hands and face thoroughly with soap and warm water after handling your backyard birds. 

What are the symptoms of bird flu in cats and dogs?

The risk of infection is higher in cats than in dogs. Symptoms of bird flu in cats and dogs are similar for both animals and include fever, low appetite, red or swollen eyes, difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, lack of coordination, or blindness. Cats and dogs can die from bird flu.

How can you keep pets healthy?

  • Keep cats indoors.
  • Keep cats and dogs away from wild birds, poultry, and cattle.
  • Do not feed cats or dogs raw meat or unpasteurized milk. Unpasteurized milk has been found to contain a high level of bird flu virus.
  • If you work with animals with bird flu, change clothing and wash it at work, if possible. If you bring clothing home to wash, place it in a plastic bag before bringing it home. Leave shoes at work. After removing work clothing and shoes, wash your hands and shower at work or immediately upon returning home.

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Bird Flu