​​

Protective Actions for People

​Learn how to prevent bird flu infections with this CDC guidance:

• Avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance, if possible. 
  

• ​Avoid contact with wild or domestic birds that appear ill or have died. Do not handle birds that appear to be sick or take them to a vet. In case of FIVE or more dead birds found in one location, notify the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at (217) 782-6302.​
  

• ​Avoid unprotected exposure to infected live or dead animals or surfaces contaminated by them.  
  

• Avoid unprotected direct physical contact or close exposure with cows and materials potentially infected or confirmed to be infected with HPAI A(H5N1) virus.  
  

• People should not eat or drink raw milk or products made with raw milk. Choosing pasteurized milk is the best way to keep you and your family safe.  
  

• It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry in the United States. There are recommendations around products from other animals with H5N1 virus infections, including cattle and milk. 
  

• CDC does not currently recommend any travel restrictions related to bird flu to countries affected by bird flu in birds, other animals or people.  
  

• Learn what to do if you have contact with infected birds or other animals and become sick.  
  

• Visit CDC’s avian influenza (bird flu) information for health professional and laboratorians​.  
  

• Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses, but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human influenza viruses and thus the risk for seasonal and bird flu co-infection.  ​
  

Steps for Disposing Dead Birds

​​Resources for Chicken Keepers

Avian influenza basics for urban and backyard poultry owners​

Health and disease information for poultry producers

​

​​