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Avian Influenza

General Information

Avian influenza type A viruses typically cause illness in birds, but much less frequently cause disease in humans1 The majority of humans to date who have become ill with avian influenza have had close or lengthy unprotected contact with infected birds (such as those who work in poultry or farming industries). In the last few years, there have been documented cases of avian influenza in other animals, including cows, wild and domestic cats, foxes and bears who may come into contact with infected birds’ saliva, mucous and excretions.

Like human influenza, avian influenza has many different “strains,” which are named in a series of letters and numbers that reflect their viral composition (e.g., H5N1). Influenza strains can circulate at different times and seasons and in many different places simultaneously. When discussing severity of avian influenza, public health professionals may categorize it as “highly pathogenic” avian influenza (HPAI), meaning it has high potential to cause death in birds. HPAI does not refer to the potential of avian influenza to kill or sicken humans.

Like many infectious diseases, avian influenza is a rapidly evolving public health situation. Please consult US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) or Health Canada for the most up-to-date guidance. Healthcare facilities should consult with their infection prevention and control departments, who work diligently with public health organizations to develop and implement policies and procedures.

Public health significance

Communicable diseases in animals are concerning to public health for many reasons. In agriculture and farming, diseases in some animals can have a significant impact on the food supply chain. More concerning is the possibility of the animal disease infecting humans (zoonotic disease), and the possibility of mutations that allow the condition to then spread humans to human.

Symptoms2

In the English language, the word “flu” is often used to describe a variety of illnesses and symptoms, but true influenza (confirmed by laboratory testing) is a specific diagnosis. While avian influenza is rare in humans, its symptoms are similar to human influenza strains, except where noted below*:

  • mild fever (temperature of 100ºF [37.8ºC] or greater) or feeling feverish (but fevers are not always present, especially in older populations)
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • muscle or body aches
  • headaches
  • fatigue
  • eye redness and irritation (conjunctivitis)*

*Conjunctivitis has been the predominant symptom among recent North American cases of avian influenza A(H5) virus infection.

Transmission

To date, there is no known human-to-human transmission of avian influenza1. Prevention of avian flu is centered around reducing unprotected exposure to wild birds, including dead birds. CDC provides detailed guidance for those working in poultry and farming industries. Additional proactive actions are listed at https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html#cdc_situation_summary_action-protectiveactions-for-people.

Vaccination

While the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against avian influenza, it is recommended for all eligible people because co-infections can occur. If a person becomes infected with both avian and human seasonal influenza, there is a theoretical risk of a new virus developing via a process called “reassortment.”3 A new influenza A virus with such genetic combinations could be a significant public health threat.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Diligent and frequent cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces is a core strategy for prevention and control of all infections. Healthcare facilities caring for persons infected with avian influenza should follow established cleaning and disinfection protocols, ensuring products have an influenza specific kill claim. Directions for cleaning and disinfection of poultry and farming surfaces may differ from healthcare -specific language.

EPA has created a specific list of disinfectants that are registered for disinfection of avian influenza when used per the label’s instructions. EPA believes, based on available scientific information, that registered Avian Influenza A products will be effective against the H5N2 strain and other HPAI strains, including H5N1. 4 To date, there are no avian influenza strains listed on EPA’s Emerging Viral Pathogens List Q and so emerging viral pathogen label claims do not yet apply. Always consult with your Diversey representative if you have specific questions regarding our product portfolio.

Avian influenza is susceptible to the following Diversey disinfectants and appears on EPA’s List M:

References
  1. Current Situation: Bird Flu in Humans | Bird Flu | CDC
  2. Signs and Symptoms of Bird Flu in People | Bird Flu | CDC 
  3. Current Situation: Bird Flu in Dairy Cows | Bird Flu | CDC 
  4. Antimicrobial Products Registered for Disinfection Use against Avian Influenza on Poultry Farms and Other Facilities | US EPA 
  5. USDA Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Mammals 6. Health Canada Avian influenza A(H5N1): symptoms and Treatment

Reviewed/Revised January 2025

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