🐦 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Avian influenza, often called bird flu, is a disease caused by influenza viruses that primarily infect wild birds and domestic poultry. While most strains do not infect people, some—such as H5N1 and H7N9—have caused rare but serious human infections.

How It Spreads

• Direct contact with infected birds (live or dead)
• Handling contaminated surfaces, cages, or equipment
• Exposure to saliva, nasal secretions, or droppings from infected birds
• Rarely, limited person-to-person spread has been reported

Symptoms in Humans

Symptoms usually begin 2–10 days after exposure and may include:

• Fever and cough
• Sore throat and muscle aches
• Eye infections
• In severe cases: pneumonia, respiratory failure, multi-organ failure

Who Is at Risk?

• Poultry farmers, workers, or veterinarians handling birds
• People visiting live bird markets
• Individuals cleaning areas contaminated by bird droppings

Prevention

• Avoid contact with wild or sick birds
• Cook all poultry and eggs thoroughly before eating
• Use protective equipment (masks, gloves) when handling birds or cleaning cages
• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Report unusual bird die-offs to local health or wildlife officials

Treatment

There is no specific cure for avian influenza, but antiviral medications (such as oseltamivir) may help reduce severity if started early. Hospital care may be needed in severe cases.
 

What To Do If You Find a Sick or Dead Bird

It is critical to report sick birds or unusual bird deaths. Please follow these guidelines:

• Sick birds or birds that have died from unknown causes:
  Call the Avian Health Hotline at Colorado State University (CSU): (970) 297-4008
• Dead birds:
  Submit to the CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Fort Collins for HPAI Testing:
  (970) 297-4008 or (970) 297-1281
• Multiple sick domestic birds or unusual domestic bird deaths:
  Call the Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office: (303) 869-9130
  or USDA-Veterinary Services Colorado Office: (303) 231-5385
• Wild Birds:
  If you find three or more dead wild birds in a specific area within a two-week period OR if you see live birds showing signs of disease, contact your local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office.
  Pueblo Colorado Parks and Wildlife Office: (719) 561-5300

If local authorities tell you to throw away a bird’s carcass, do not touch it with bare hands. Use gloves or an inside-out plastic bag to place the body in a garbage bag, then dispose of it with your regular trash.
 

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Map

Learn More

For more information, visit the CDC’s Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) resource page.