Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Humans | Vermont Department of Health CLOSE Translations for you Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Humans Zoonotic Diseases Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Humans Hanta Virus Rabies Tularemia There are currently no reported or confirmed human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in Vermont. For bulk milk testing and dairy cow/animal health information, visit the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Avian influenza A viruses—also called “bird flu”—usually spread between birds and other animals they encounter. It is rare for bird flu to spread to humans. Currently, the bird flu virus spreading in the United States and globally is highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1)—referred to below as "H5N1 bird flu." The current risk to public health is low. H5N1 bird flu is mainly affecting animal health. There is no known human-to-human spread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health departments are monitoring the situation. The Vermont Department of Health is prepared to respond if there are human exposures to H5N1 bird flu in Vermont or if the risk to public health increases. Important Links Communication Resources Information for Specific Groups H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary in U.S. Get the latest on CDC monitoring of H5N1 in the United States and how people can protect themselves. How it spreads Bird flu infections in people are most often from: Close or prolonged contact with infected birds or other animals (including dairy cows and other livestock) without gloves or other protective gear. Spending time in environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals. Symptoms Symptoms of bird flu infections in people have ranged from mild (eye infection, upper respiratory symptoms) to severe illness (pneumonia) that have resulted in death in other countries. Signs and symptoms may include: Fever (temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater) or feeling feverish (fever may not always be present) Cough Sore throat Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Conjunctivitis (eye tearing, redness, irritation, or discharge from eye) Headaches Runny or stuffy nose Muscle or body aches Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or seizures (less common) Prevention Observe wild birds and other animals from a distance . Don't touch wildlife or animals that may be sick or are dead. Wash your hands and wear personal protective equipment if you work directly or closely with sick or dead animals, animal feces, litter, raw milk, and other materials that might have the virus. If you drink milk, make sure it's pasteurized. Pasteurization is a process of heating liquids to high temperatures for a short time. This process kills harmful germs that can make you sick, including the H5N1 bird flu virus that can infect dairy cows. Pasteurization doesn't affect the milk’s taste or nutritional value. Raw milk is not pasteurized and is not recommended for drinking or cooking, particularly during a bird flu outbreak. The H5N1 bird flu virus has been to survive in raw milk for at least five weeks under refrigeration (Source: NIH ). Get a flu shot every respiratory virus season. Seasonal flu vaccines will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses. But it can reduce the risk of getting infected with both seasonal flu and bird flu at the same time, which could lead to a more severe illness. If you have had unprotected contact with animals infected with H5N1, see CDC's web page for more information: Spanish Treatment You may be prescribed flu antiviral medicines if you get sick after being exposed to birds or other animals that are or might be infected with bird flu. These medicines can make your symptoms milder and not as long-lasting. It’s important to take the medication as directed as soon as possible. Role of Public Health The Vermont Department of Health is working closely with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets to prepare for possible cases of H5N1 bird flu in Vermont dairy cattle. This partnership includes providing personal protective equipment for those who work with dairy cattle or other animals that could be infected and connecting with community partners that serve dairy cattle workers. If the virus is detected in a dairy cow, the Health Department will: Work with the farm to identify people who might have been exposed to the sick animal. Provide information and resources. Actively monitor people with a high risk of exposure for signs and symptoms of illness. Coordinate testing for people with symptoms and recommend next steps. Communication Resources What to Know about Bird Flu Handout How H5 Bird Flu Could Spread on a Dairy Farm Poster ( Spanish Handout ( Spanish Social Media Toolkit This digital toolkit includes sample social media copy and graphics to educate audiences on how bird flu spreads, symptoms, and how to protect yourself. How Infected Backyard Poultry Could Spread Bird Flu to People Fact sheet ( Spanish Informational Videos This video series answers commonly asked questions about the current H5N1 bird flu situation. How is H5N1 Bird Flu Spreading? Infographic In dairy cows: Infographic How Bird Flu Might Spread from Cows to People Social media graphic Find more resources, translated into additional languages Information for Specific Groups People with backyard birds/poultry (CDC) People who work with infected birds or other animals (CDC) Bird enthusiasts and hunters (CDC) Agricultural fair organizers & exhibitors (CDC) Topics: Infectious Diseases April 7, 2026