CURRENT SITUATION IN SEDGWICK COUNTY: As of February 2025, the risk of bird flu to the general public is LOW. No cases have been reported in humans in Kansas.
Bird Flu
About Bird Flu
Bird flu (avian influenza) is caused by viruses that mostly infect birds. However, some strains (such as HPAI) can also infect other animals and humans. Birds and other animals infected with avian influenza shed the virus in their saliva, mucus, and poop.
People can become infected if the virus is breathed in or gets into a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth after touching contaminated surfaces or materials.
Bird flu and some strains are also known as:
- Avian influenza
- H5N1
- Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
Recommendations for Sedgwick County Residents
The risk to the general public is low.
General Public
- Avoid wild birds and only observe them from a distance.
- Avoid contact with domestic birds (poultry) that appear ill or have died.
- Avoid touching or drinking raw milk or raw milk products, especially from animals with confirmed or suspected avian flu infection.
BACKYARD FLOCK OWNERS
Backyard flock owners can learn more about protecting their domestic poultry here.*
If you have a backyard poultry flock, ensure that your biosecurity practices are in place.
This includes:
- Keeping your poultry house clean
- Separating your flock from wild birds. For example, using an enclosed shelter
- Separating new birds from your existing flock for at least 30 days
- Not sharing equipment with other bird owners
For additional information about biosecurity practices, visit the Defend the Flock Resource Center*.
Click here to view the above image in Espanol.
HUNTERS
Hunters who handle wild birds should dress game birds in the field when possible and practice good hygiene to prevent any potential disease spread.
- Do not handle or eat sick game.
- Wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling and cleaning game.
- When done handling game, wash hands thoroughly with soap or disinfectant, and clean knives, equipment, and surfaces that came in contact with game.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals.
- All game should be thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F before being consumed.
More information on general safety guidelines for hunters handling wildlife and their tissues is available from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's website.
People should report sick birds or other animals or unusual bird or other animal deaths to the state or the federal government, either through their state veterinarian or by calling U.S. Department of Agricultures' (USDA) toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593.
TRAVELERS
There are no current travel restrictions* to any countries due to bird flu.
Travelers who are visiting areas with known HPAI outbreaks should:
- Avoid poultry farms or places where live poultry are raised unless wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Avoid contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to have poultry poop on them
- Avoid dairy farms with sick cows, unless wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)
Food Safety
No evidence has been found that anyone in the United States has been infected with bird flu viruses after eating properly handled and cooked poultry products or drinking pasteurized milk.
However, it is always best to follow safe food handling practices.
- Do not eat uncooked or undercooked poultry or beef or drink unpasteurized (raw) milk.
- Cook poultry, eggs, and beef to the appropriate internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses.
- Choosing pasteurized milk and products, such as including soft cheese, ice cream, and yogurt made with pasteurized milk is the best way to keep you and your family safe.
For additional information about Food Safety and Bird Flu*, click on the link to visit the CDC's website.
People
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit
or more) - Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Difficult breathing
- Pneumonia
- Less common symptoms
include diarrhea, nausea,
vomiting, and seizures.
Cattle
- Poor appetite
- Reduced milk production
- Abnormal milk (thickened or
discolored) - Clear nasal discharge
Cats
- Respiratory symptoms like wheezing and coughing
- Neurological symptoms like blindness, seizures, or tremors
- Excessive discharge from the eyes or nose
- Mood changes
*If you suspect your cat has bird flu, contact your veterinarian and limit its exposure to other cats, birds, or humans.
Poultry
- Sudden death
- Low energy
- Poor appetite
- Purple discoloration or
swelling of different body parts - Reduced egg production
- Abnormal eggs (misshapen or
soft shells) - Nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Lack of coordination
- Diarrhea
Source (s):
- National Center for Farmworker Health, Inc. (NCFH): ncfh.org/avian_flu_h5n1.html
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: https://www.fws.gov/avian-influenza
* Link opens to external, government website.