Health officials have confirmed Ohio’s first probable human case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), better known as bird flu. The affected person is a farm worker in Mercer County who had contact with deceased poultry.
Before you panic—experts say the risk to the general public is still very low. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stress that unless you spend a lot of time around infected birds without protection, you’re not likely to be affected.
What Does This Mean for You?
For most Ohioans, this news won’t change much. The biggest takeaway? Avoid handling sick or dead birds. If you do come across one, don’t touch it—contact your local health department or a veterinarian for guidance instead.
Extra Precautions for Poultry Workers
If you work with poultry, now’s the time to double down on biosecurity. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Ohio Poultry Association recommend the following steps:
- Limit contact with wild birds. Keeping poultry inside when possible helps reduce exposure.
- Restrict visitors. Only essential workers should interact with your birds, and they should follow strict hygiene practices.
- Wash your hands. Every time, no exceptions. Soap and water are your best friends here.
- Monitor bird health. Keep an eye out for signs like reduced egg production, trouble breathing, or swelling.
- Report any issues. If you notice unusual bird deaths, call the Ohio Poultry Association (614-882-6111) or ODA (614-728-6220).
Human Cases Are Still Rare
So far this year, there have been 68 confirmed human cases of bird flu in 11 states, with one death reported in Louisiana. Most cases have been linked to agricultural exposure, and there’s no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, Director of the Ohio Department of Health, reassures that while this is something to be aware of, there’s no reason for widespread concern. “The best way to prevent bird flu is to avoid unprotected exposure to sick or dead birds and their environments,” he says.
Is It Safe to Eat Chicken and Eggs?
Yes! Properly cooked poultry and pasteurized dairy products are still completely safe. Just be sure to follow standard food safety guidelines—cook poultry and eggs to the recommended internal temperatures to kill any bacteria or viruses.
What to Do If You’ve Been Exposed
Had close contact with a sick or dead bird? Keep an eye out for respiratory symptoms and reach out to your healthcare provider if anything feels off. If you see sick or dead wild birds, report them to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-WILDLIFE. For poultry cases, call ODA at 614-728-6220.
For more updates and official guidance, check out the Ohio Department of Health and Ohio Department of Agriculture websites.
Featured Photo by Jordan Whitt on Unsplash.
