H5N1 Bird Flu Alert: Low Risk for Public, Moderate Concern for Poultry and Dairy Workers in Ongoing Outbreak

Good afternoon. This is the H5N1 Bird Flu Briefing: Public Health Alert. I am speaking on behalf of national and state health authorities to provide you with the latest public health update, outline what today’s “Low” to “Moderate” alert level means for the community, and offer practical guidance to protect your health and the safety of those around you. Today, the United States continues to monitor a multi-state outbreak of H5N1 bird flu, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza. As of July 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of Agriculture report that this virus remains *widespread among wild birds* and has caused ongoing outbreaks in commercial poultry, backyard flocks, and more recently, dairy cows. According to CDC, a total of 70 confirmed or probable human cases have been reported in this country, nearly all among individuals with direct, unprotected exposure to sick birds or infected animals. *No ongoing human-to-human transmission* has been identified. For the general public, the current alert level remains **Low Risk**; those working in or living near affected poultry or dairy operations face a **Moderate to High Risk** from occupational exposure. You should know the symptoms of H5N1 infection. According to the CDC, symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, or eye redness. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhea may also occur. If you experience **shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent high fever, confusion, or sudden difficulty seeing or speaking, seek medical attention immediately**. Symptoms like mild cough or sore throat can be monitored at home if you have *no known risk factors or recent exposure to sick birds or animals*. Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or you are concerned about your exposure history. For individuals working with poultry, dairy cattle, or in other high-risk settings: - Always wear recommended personal protective equipment including gloves, N95 respirators, goggles or face shields, and disposable gowns when in contact with sick or dead animals. - Practice diligent hand hygiene before and after animal handling. Clean and disinfect all equipment and vehicles. - Report any ill animals to animal health authorities immediately and avoid direct contact with secretions or carcasses. - If you develop symptoms compatible with influenza within 10 days of possible exposure, refrain from going to work and notify your supervisor, occupational health, or public health authorities right away. Guidelines for the general public, in order of priority: - *Do not touch sick or dead birds or animals*. If contact is necessary, use gloves and a mask. Wash hands thoroughly. - Avoid visiting live animal markets or farms with ongoing outbreaks. - Only consume properly cooked poultry, eggs, and dairy products. - Ensure household pets do not interact with wild birds or animal carcasses. - Stay inform This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.