HOW DOES AVIAN INFLUENZA SPREAD? 

HPAI spreads quickly by direct, bird-to-bird contact. The disease can also spread indirectly, for example, when birds come in contact with contaminated surfaces or materials. Because the virus is not highly pathogenic to migratory waterfowl, they end up acting as carriers for the virus and can allow it to travel vast distances. When wild birds fly south for the winter months, their migratory pathways take them over much of the United States; they can deposit the virus along the way, contaminating the environment and infecting commercial, backyard and recreational flocks. 

CAN HUMANS CONTRACT AVIAN INFLUENZA? 

People rarely get bird flu, but when they do, it’s most often through direct unprotected contact (no gloves, protective wear, face masks, respirators or eye protection) with infected birds. People can become infected by breathing virus in droplets in the air or possibly dust, or by touching surfaces contaminated with infected bird mucous, saliva or feces and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AVIAN INFLUENZA IN HUMANS? 

The reported signs and symptoms of bird flu virus infections in humans have ranged from no symptoms or mild illness (such as eye redness or mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms), to severe (such as pneumonia requiring hospitalization) and included fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Less common signs and symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or seizures. 

CAN SOMEONE CONTRACT AVIAN INFLUENZA FROM EATING POULTRY MEAT OR EGGS? 

All commercial poultry flocks in the U.S. are tested for avian influenza virus, and meat or egg products from infected flocks are prohibited from entering the market. Furthermore, eating poultry that has been prepared properly is safe. Cooking poultry products to an internal temperature of 165 degrees ensures safety. Proper handling and preparation of poultry products destroys avian influenza, as well as other disease microbes. 

WHAT ARE THE SPECIES OF WILD BIRDS THAT CAN CARRY HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA BUT NOT DIE FROM IT? 

Some wild aquatic birds such as gulls, terns, shorebirds, and waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans) are carriers of the avian influenza virus and generally will not exhibit clinical signs when infected. These species are considered reservoirs for avian influenza viruses. Most other birds can become infected, shed the virus, and display clinical symptoms or even death. Poultry and game birds can be easily become infected. 

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 ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AVIAN INFLUENZA? 

• 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 MEASURES CAN BE TAKEN TO PREVENT SMALL FLOCKS FROM CONTRACTING AVIAN INFLUENZA? 

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

WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE DO IF THEIR FLOCK IS EXPERIENCING HIGH MORTALITY OR EXHIBITING SYMPTOMS OF AVIAN INFLUENZA? 

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 IS THE BEST METHOD FOR BACKYARD FLOCK OWNERS TO DISPOSE OF DEAD BIRDSINFECTED WITH AVIAN INFLUENZA? 

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

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