Avian Influenza

General Information

Species Name: Alphainfluenzavirus influenzae

Also Known As: Bird flu, avian influenza A

Pathogen Type: Virus

Organ System Affected: Multiple, but primarily respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular

Organisms Affected: Birds, some mammals including humans

Transmissible to Humans: Yes, in some rare cases humans can contract avian influenza. 

Why is it a Concern? 

Avian influenza can cause major problems within the poultry industry as it can eliminate entire flocks in a matter of days. This can negatively effect trade and the global economy. It spreads rapidly through bird-to-bird contact and via contaminated surfaces. It can also be transmitted to cattle, domestic cats, and wildlife. Rare cases of avian influenza can spread to humans. 

How is it Spread? 

Avian influenza spread through direct bird-to-bird contact and from contact with contaminated surfaces. It can be spread through saliva, nasal discharge, eye discharge, and feces. It can also be spread through airborne secretions. 

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Incubation Period

Avian influenza symptoms will typically begin within 2-14 days after exposure. 

Forms

Within avian influenza A are subtypes. There are 5 subtypes known to have caused human infection (H5, H6, H7, H9, and H10). 

Avian influenza may be low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). LPAI strains will cause few or no symptoms naturally occur in birds worldwide. However, some LPAI strains may become HPAI in poultry. HPAI strains are deadly to domestic poultry, can eliminate flocks within a matter of days, and cause more severe symptoms than LPAI. 

Symptoms in Birds

LPAI symptoms may include: 

• Nasal discharge

• Sneezing

• Anorexia

• Ruffled feathers

• Decreased egg production

• No symptoms

HPAI symptoms may include: 

• Sudden death with no prior signs

• Low energy

• Anorexia

• Purple discoloration or swelling of various body parts

• Hemorrhages on legs or feet

• Decreased egg production or soft or misshapen eggs

• Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing

• Lack of coordination

• Diarrhea

Symptoms in Humans

Symptoms in humans may include: 

• Conjunctivitis

• Mild to high fever

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Muscle or body aches

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Seizures

Diagnosis

There are multiple types of tests that can be performed to confirm avian influenza in both animals and people including immunoassays, RNA detection, and virus isolation. Contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to request avian influenza testing for domestic birds. Contact your medical provider regarding human avian influenza testing options. 

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Prevention and Control

Practice Good Biosecurity

Defend the Flock and practice good biosecurity to protect your poultry and reduce the risk of infectious disease transfer onto or outside of your property. Practice good personal hygiene by washing your hands frequently when interacting with domestic poultry and other animals. 

Avoid Sources of Exposure

Do not interact with sick or dead wild birds, domestic birds, or other animals and only observe them from a distance. Wear PPE if you must interact with or come into close contact with them. Do not consume raw milk or milk products and cook poultry, eggs, and beef to a safe internal temperature. 

The public should avoid interacting with poultry farms, live poultry markets, and areas where poultry may be slaughtered. 

What to Do if You Suspect Avian Influenza

Domestic Animals

If your domestic poultry are showing signs of avian influenza, you should contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture immediately. 

If your livestock, domestic cats or birds, or other domestic animals are showing symptoms of avian influenza, contact your veterinarian immediately. 

Quarantine any symptomatic animals and those they may have come into contact with. Use personal protective equipment when handling the animal(s), limit your exposure, practice good personal hygiene, and disinfect potentially contaminated surfaces. 

Human Exposure

If you have been exposed to avian influenza or are showing symptoms, contact your health provider immediately. 

Wildlife

If you suspect a wild animal is showing symptoms of HPAI, report avian influenza to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. 

References and More Information

American Veterinary Medical Association

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Nebraska Department of Agriculture

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

USDA APHIS Defend the Flock

USDA APHIS Protect Your Poultry from Avian Influenza

World Health Organization