Safety Precautions for Avian Influenza

The facilities where animals live at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI)—the exhibits at the zoological park in Washington, D.C., and the research areas at the conservation campus in Front Royal, Virginia—are prime stopover habitat for wild migratory birds. 

The Zoo proactively monitors animal populations at both NZCBI facilities for exposure to avian influenza, or “bird flu,” with the goal of ensuring safety and preparedness in the face of a potential outbreak.

FAQ on Avian Influenza

What is avian influenza? Is it the same as HPAI and H5N1?

You might have heard the terms “bird flu,” “HPAI,” or “H5N1” used interchangeably to refer to the viral disease known as avian influenza. However, they mean different things. Avian influenza is a viral disease that primarily affects birds. H5N1 is a specific strain of avian influenza linked to recent outbreaks. HPAI, or “highly pathogenic avian influenza,” is a classification of the virus that means it is likely to spread rapidly and cause significant illness or death in birds. Each are different from the seasonal flu people get.

How does HPAI spread?

Bird flu can be spread by infected wild birds—usually through the bird’s saliva, nasal secretions and fecal matter—but birds are not the sole source of outbreaks. Other animals, particularly scavengers and small rodents, can carry the virus if they come in contact with an infected carcass or an otherwise contaminated environment. Even people can carry the virus on their shoes or clothing if they walk through a puddle or patch of dirt that has become a reservoir for the virus.   

Information about the spread of avian influenza in humans is available on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

What are your staff doing to protect the exhibit birds from HPAI?

Staff who care for birds are taking precautionary safety measures to limit any potential disease transmission, such as using disposable gloves, footwear covers, and other protective gear. Additionally, staff routinely disinfect tools, equipment and footwear to prevent the spread of disease, especially when coming from an area where wild birds may be present.

The Zoo keeps wild birds from encountering outdoor bird exhibits through deterrence methods, including physical barriers such as roofs or mesh. If needed, animal care staff may drain pools in open-topped exhibits to discourage wild waterfowl from mingling with Zoo animals. If a threat is detected, staff may opt to move certain animals indoors. Staff regularly monitor wild local birds for any signs of illnesses that may be spreading in the region.

Many of the bird exhibits are already indoors — including the aviaries in the Zoo’s Bird House — which means the animals there are not at immediate risk of direct exposure from infected wild birds. 

As a standard care practice, each Zoo animal that arrives from another facility must be quarantined for a minimum of 30 days before entering their habitat area. Animals in quarantine are closely monitored for any illnesses or pathogens, including avian influenza, that could potentially spread to the other animals or humans in the area.

What happens if there’s an outbreak?

If there is an outbreak at either the Zoo or at the Front Royal conservation campus, the chief veterinarian, senior curator, and/or leadership staff may close parts or all of the animal facilities to limit exposure. Some exhibits, like the Bird House, would likely be closed to visitors.

Treatment measures vary based on species, but most commonly involve isolating the infected animal and treating it to prevent the spread of the disease to other animals in the collection.

What happens to animals that are infected with avian influenza?

Animals that become sick may show symptoms in as little as a few hours after being exposed. In mild cases, animals might seem to be breathing heavily or have trouble breathing, and their eyes might look red or pink. In more serious cases, animals may have a lack of energy and appetite, lose their coordination, or have swelling around their face. They may have nasal discharge or diarrhea. 

Treatment varies depending on species. Infected animals may recover with proper treatment, but the disease is potentially deadly. Proactive measures are the best response to mitigating the risk of avian influenza. 

Can humans get avian influenza? 

It is very rare for people to contract avian influenza. Typically, human cases are limited to workers who are in close contact with lots of contaminated birds, such as at a commercial poultry production facility.

Can cats and dogs get bird flu?

Yes, mammals can contract avian influenza. Typically, infections occur in carnivorous wild animals who have eaten infected meat, but there have also been reported cases of domesticated cats and dogs getting sick, with cats being more susceptible than dogs.

Domestic cats are highly effective predators and are responsible for killing an estimated 2.4 billion wild birds a year in the United States alone. Since sick birds might be lethargic or otherwise unable to escape a predator, it’s very important to keep your pet from catching and eating an infected bird. Keep your cat indoors or leash your cat for supervised outdoor excursions. Similarly, leashing your dog can prevent them from unintentionally eating infected meat. If you feed your pet poultry or eggs, make sure they are fully cooked. 

How can I protect wild birds in my backyard?

Because avian influenza is primarily spread through an infected bird’s saliva, nasal secretions and fecal matter, the best way to protect wild birds is to discourage them from congregating in large groups. If you have a bird feeder or a birdbath, thoroughly clean it with soap and warm water on a regular basis. This can help prevent the spread of many diseases, not just avian influenza. 

What can I do to protect my backyard chickens or other poultry I keep at home?

The best way to keep your flock safe is to prevent contact with wild birds. Any separation, whether with netting, chicken wire or a solid roof, is better than none. Additionally, make sure wild birds don’t have access to the poultry’s water sources, as the virus can survive in ideal conditions for weeks to months, such as fresh water. 

Wear dedicated footwear and regularly sanitize equipment used around poultry. Disposable gloves can also be useful if moving between different groups of animals.