Birds affected with all forms of AI may show one or more of the following: Sudden death without clinical signs; Lack of energy and appetite; Decreased egg production; Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks; Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs; Nasal discharge; Coughing, sneezing; Lack of coordination; and Diarrhea. Note: Many birds with LPAI may not show any signs of disease. 

Exposure of poultry to migratory waterfowl and the international movement of poultry, poultry equipment, and people pose risks for introducing AI into U.S. poultry. Once introduced, the disease can be spread from bird to bird by direct contact. AI viruses can also be spread by manure, equipment, vehicles, egg flats, crates, and people whose clothing or shoes have come in contact with the virus. AI viruses can remain viable at moderate temperatures for long periods in the environment and can survive indefinitely in frozen material.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 infections have been reported in U.S. domestic poultry (backyard and commercial flocks), captive wild birds, and wild birds. HPAI H5 detections began in December 2014 and have continued to date in 2015.

No human infections with these viruses have been detected at this time; however, similar viruses have infected people in other countries and caused serious illness and death in some cases. Human infections with other avian influenza viruses have occurred after close and prolonged contact with infected birds or the excretions/secretions of infected birds (e.g., droppings, oral fluids).

While the health risk posed to the general public by these domestic HPAI outbreaks is low at this time, it is possible that human infections with these viruses may occur.

• Current Situation
• Small flocks/backyard chickens
• Wild birds and hunting
• Working with infected birds

• Testing, Infection Control, Treatment and Prophylaxis, etc.
• Health Alert Network (HAN)

• General Avian Influenza Information
• Avian Influenza in the United States
• Food Safety and Avian Influenza
• HPAI Information for Producers
• Protecting Birds from Avian Influenza

• Clemson University Livestock and Poultry Health
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• United States Department of Agriculture Avian Influenza Information
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) APHIS Avian Influenza Information