Protect Yourself from Avian Flu

H5 bird flu is a viral infectious disease first identified in birds. It is also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1), H5 bird flu is a virus of birds caused by type A influenza viruses that spreads through direct bird-to-bird contact or indirectly when the virus is on clothing, shoes, vehicles, rodents, insects, feed, water, feathers, etc. Infected birds release the virus in bodily fluids such as mucus, saliva, and feces. H5 Bird flu can also spread after contact with raw milk from an infected cow, when raw milk from an infected cow splashes into the eyes, nose, or mouth, or by drinking raw milk from a cow infected with bird flu virus.

H5 bird flu is commonly found in wild birds however, the current circulating strain has been causing outbreaks in poultry worldwide and dairy cows nationwide. While the current risk of transmission to LA County residents is low, Public Health encourages residents who own backyard flocks or work directly with cows, poultry, wild birds, or wild animals to protect themselves from H5 bird flu by following simple precautions.

LA County Public Health is testing for bird flu in wild birds, domestic birds, and select mammals.

Sick or dead birds should be reported immediately.

• Report sick or dead birds to your local animal control agency. They might be able to collect and hold it for H5 bird flu testing. Waterfowl, shorebirds, medium or large birds, and poultry are the best types of birds to test for H5 bird flu. Call 211 to find your local animal control agency.
• Report sick or dead animals that may have had contact with sick or dead birds (for example, community cats, raccoons, skunks).

• Take down bird feeders and shared bird baths to reduce the risk of the virus spreading from bird-to-bird.
• Report the bird or animal to Public Health online. Let us know if you were able to contact your local animal control.

Prevention Tips for Residents

• Do not consume raw milk, raw cheese and undercooked meat products and do not these to your pets.
• Avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals. The virus can spread to other birds, pets, or mammals if they come in contact with infected animals or their feces.

• Anytime you are in contact with animals, wash your hands with soap and water before touching your face or eyes.

• If you work with or around sick animals, use appropriate personal protective equipment. See CDC's Interim Guidance for Employers for additional recommendations.
• Get a seasonal flu vaccine. Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with avian influenza viruses but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human and bird flu viruses at the same time.

Reposted from LA County Public Health Press Release. To learn more visit: publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/HPAI.htm and http://ph.lacounty.gov/acd/diseases/h5n1.htm