Can people get avian influenza?
While rare, human infections with avian influenza viruses have occurred. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the risk to the general public from HPAI H5 infections in wild birds, backyard flocks, and commercial poultry, to be low.
To date, no humans or other mammals have shown signs of disease from the HPAI viruses found in North America but field personnel handling live or dead wild birds should take appropriate precautions including wearing protective clothing when handling sick wildlife or potentially diseased wildlife or carcasses.
Learn more: USGS Avian Influenza
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