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WHAT IS AVIAN INFLUENZA (H5 Bird Flu)?                    

Avian influenza or H5 bird flu refers to the disease caused by infection with various influenza (flu) Type A viruses. These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. 

LONG BEACH PUBLIC NOTICES:

11.26.2024 - City Health Officer Advises Residents to Avoid Raw Milk Products Following Notice of Voluntary Recall 

CURRENT RISK LEVEL? 

Currently, the risk of transmission of avian influenza to the general public is considered low.  

INFORMATION ON CURRENT OUTBREAKS 

H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide, causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, with recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers. A multi-state outbreak of avian influenza A(H5N1) (“H5N1 influenza”) infection in dairy cows was first reported on March 25, 2024. The H5N1 influenza infections in California dairy cows were confirmed on August 30, 2024, and the first human cases of H5N1 influenza infection in California dairy workers were confirmed on October 3, 2024. 

WHAT IS THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT DOING?  

The Health Department works with Long Beach Animal Care Services to track sick and dead birds and test if indicated. Additionally, the Health Department monitors flu cases and works with health care providers to test sick people for the virus. 

CAN H5 BIRD FLU AFFECT HUMANS? 

People can sometimes get H5 bird flu if the virus gets into their eyes, nose, mouth, or if they breathe it in. This usually happens after close, unprotected contact with contaminated surfaces or infected birds or other animals. Currently, the risk of transmission of bird flu to humans is considered low, but those who interact with infected dairy cows, poultry, or wildlife have a greater risk of infection. 

The virus has also been detected in unpasteurized milk (raw milk) products and may be transmitted to humans who consume contaminated raw milk products. Pasteurized milk continues to be safe to consume. 

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF H5 BIRD FLU IN HUMANS? 

  • Eye redness or discharge 

  • Cough 

  • Sore Throat 

  • Runny or Stuffy Nose 

  • Diarrhea 

  • Vomiting  

  • Muscle or Body aches 

  • Headaches 

  • Fatigue 

  • Trouble Breathing 

  • Pneumonia 

  • Seizures  

WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE DO IF THEY THINK THEY HAVE H5 BIRD FLU? 

People who think they have H5 bird flu should immediately contact their healthcare provider. Their healthcare provider will order influenza virus laboratory testing. People who think they may have bird flu should also isolate at home away from others until they receive test results. 

CAN H5 BIRD FLU AFFECT PETS? 

There is a risk that the virus can spread to animals like dogs, cats, and wild mammals, especially if they eat infected, uncooked birds, undercooked poultry, or raw milk from infected animals. Public health experts advise against feeding your pets raw animal products to prevent the spread of diseases. 

HOW CAN I REDUCE THE RISK OF H5 BIRD FLU?  

  •  Avoid direct contact with wild birds 

  •  People should not eat, or drink raw milk or products made with raw milk.  

  • Get the seasonal flu vaccine.

FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS            

REPORTING  

Immediately notify the Long Beach Health Department of suspect cases by calling the Communicable Disease Surveillance and Control Division at 562.570.4302.   

TESTING  

If a person is suspected to have H5N1 influenza infection within 10 days of exposure, they should be tested. Specimens should ideally be collected within 24–72 hours of symptom onset and no later than 10 days after symptom onset. Testing after 10 days from symptom onset can be considered on a case-by-case basis and in discussion with the Long Beach Health Department . 

SPECIMEN COLLECTION  

Specimen collection and specimen types:   

  • Specimens should be collected using swabs with synthetic tips (e.g., polyester or Dacron®) and an aluminum or plastic shaft. Swabs with cotton tips and wooden shaft are NOT recommended.   
  • Specimens collected with swabs made of calcium alginate are NOT acceptable.   
  • Place swab(s) in specimen collection vial containing 2–3 mL of viral transport media (VTM) or universal transport media (UTM); tighten cap to avoid leakage.   
  • For all patients, collect the following respiratory specimens: o A nasopharyngeal swab; AND o If feasible, also collect separate nasal and oropharyngeal swabs combined in a single transport media vial.  • Patients with conjunctivitis should have both a nasopharyngeal and conjunctival swab specimen collected.   
  • If conjunctivitis is present in both eyes, collect separate swabs from each eye and combine the swabs in a single transport media vial.   
  • Patients with severe respiratory disease also should have lower respiratory tract specimens collected such as an endotracheal aspirate, bronchoalveolar lavage, or sputum.   
  • For severely ill persons, multiple respiratory tract specimens from different sites should be obtained to increase the potential for H5N1 influenza virus detection. Specimen storage and handling:   
  • Freeze or refrigerate specimens after collection. Ship refrigerated specimens to VRDL on cold packs. Ship frozen specimens to VRDL on dry ice.   
  • Specimens submitted to local PHLs should follow specimen submission procedures for that laboratory.  

SMALL FLOCK AND BACKYARD POULTRY OWNERS                 

WHAT MEASURES CAN BE TAKEN TO PREVENT SMALL FLOCKS FROM CONTRACTING H5 BIRD FLU? 

Prevention protects the health of poultry and other domestic birds, since there is no acceptable or practical treatment once birds have contracted H5 Bird Flu. Follow these basic biosecurity prevention measures to help keep your small flock healthy: 

  • Monitor your flock’s health. Know the signs of disease and check your flock daily for any signs of illness. Contact your local veterinarian for guidance on sick individual birds. 

  • Prevent contact between your flock and wild birds, particularly waterfowl. Remove bird feeders to discourage visits from wild birds. Do not come into direct contact with your flocks if you have seen birds in another country or have been in contact with any other birds, including their feathers or waste. 

  • Keep it clean. Regularly clean and disinfect poultry houses, coops, and other enclosures. Use dedicated footwear and clothing when entering any bird area, and a dry or liquid footbath to disinfect shoes prior to entry. 

  • Protect your flock’s food and water supply. Make sure wild birds, rodents, and other pests can’t access them. 

 Report sick birds. If your birds are sick or dying, please contact Long Beach Communicable Disease Surveillance and Control (CDSC) Division at (562) 570-4302 or vph@longbeach.gov. For disposal of dead birds contact Long Beach Animal Care Services by calling (562) 570-7387 or through the Go Long Beach app. 
 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF H5 BIRD FLU IN POULTRY? 

  • Sudden increase in bird mortality 

  • Sudden, severe drop in egg production, laying soft shell or misshapen eggs 

  • Swelling around the eyes, neck and head 

  • Sudden, severe drop in feed and water consumption 

  • Twisting of the head/neck 

  • Lethargy 

  • Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing 

  • Purple discoloration of wattles, combs and legs 

  • Watery or green diarrhea 

  • Lack of coordination or paralysis 

  • Twisting of the head/neck 
     

WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE DO IF THEIR FLOCK IS EXPERIENCING HIGH MORTALITY OR EXHIBITING SYMPTOMS OF H5 BIRD FLU? 

Anyone with poultry that are exhibiting signs of AI should contact the Long Beach CDSC at vph@longbeach.gov or (562) 570-4302. This is particularly important with backyard flocks that have contact with wild aquatic birds or are exhibiting high mortality, depression, and severe decrease in egg production 

WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE DO IF THEY FIND A DEAD WILD BIRD? 

If the cause of death is unknown, contact Long Beach Animal Care Services by calling (562) 570-7387 or through the Go Long Beach app. 

WHAT IS THE BEST METHOD FOR BACKYARD FLOCK OWNERS TO DISPOSE OF DEAD BIRDS INFECTED WITH H5 BIRD FLU? 

If H5 Bird Flu is suspected, please contact Long Beach Animal Care Services by calling (562) 570-7387 or through the Go Long Beach app before anything is done with the dead birds. Reporting is critical to the success of the response and control of this virus. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

       

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Facilities

Main Health Facilities Center

2525 Grand Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90815
Phone: (562) 570-4000

Multi-Service Center for the Homeless »

1301 West 12th Street
Long Beach, CA 90813
Phone: (562) 570-4500 
Fax: (562) 570-8234

Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center - Center for Family and Youth »

6335 Myrtle Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90805
Phone: (562) 570-3300
Fax: (562) 570-3306

Other Facilities »

 
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