Lake County Gazette

The Lake County Health Department has issued important information regarding bird flu, a disease caused by avian influenza A viruses that typically spread between birds rather than humans. Wild water birds are the primary hosts of these viruses, and infected birds and other animals can transmit the virus through mucus, saliva, or feces.

One subtype of bird flu, caused by avian influenza A (H5N1) virus, is currently spreading worldwide in wild birds and causing outbreaks in U.S. poultry and dairy cows. While H5N1 bird flu has resulted in some rare human infections, it remains uncommon for people to contract the virus.

Human infections can occur when enough virus enters a person's eyes, nose, or mouth or is inhaled. This most often happens through close, prolonged unprotected contact with infected birds or animals or their contaminated environments.

The Health Department offers several prevention tips for the general public:

- Avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, and other animals. Observe them only from a distance.

- If direct contact is necessary, wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE).

- Do not touch surfaces or materials contaminated with saliva, mucus, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds.

- Avoid touching or consuming raw milk products from animals with confirmed or suspected infection.

To keep pets safe:

- Feed pets only fully cooked food as the H5N1 virus can survive in raw pet food.

- Never feed cats raw milk; pasteurized milk is safe.

- Keep pets away from wildlife; infected wildlife may pose a risk to curious pets.

- Prevent pets' access to livestock and poultry areas during outbreaks.

- If working with livestock/poultry, wash hands and change clothes before interacting with pets.

"Avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds," advises the Health Department. "If you must have direct contact...wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). "

"Feed your pet only fully cooked food," warns the department about potential risks associated with raw pet food.

"Separate your flock from disease sources," recommends the department for those maintaining backyard flocks.

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### Resources- [Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) – CDC](#)- [H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation – CDC](#)- [Signs and Symptoms of Bird Flu in People - CDC](#)- [Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Avian Influenza A Viruses in People - CDC](#)- [Backyard Flock Owners: Protect Yourself from Bird Flu - CDC](#)- [Print and Digital Resources - CDC](#)- [Backyard Flocks & Avian Flu Flyer – Lake County Health Department](#)- [Keeping Your Pets Safe from H5N1 Social Media Graphics - Lake County Health Department](#)