Avian influenza A(H5), or bird flu, has been in the national and international news this winter, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the current risk to the general public for contracting the virus is low.

This virus is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing sporadic outbreaks in poultry and dairy cow in the United States. In Texas, one individual, who worked with dairy cattle, had tested positive as of Jan. 31, 2025.

No known human-to-human transmission has occurred with the contemporary avian influenza, the CDC said on its Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) webpage.

Individuals whose work or recreational activities expose them to possibly infected animals, such as commercial or backyard poultry flocks, wild birds and some mammals, such as cattle, are at a greater risk of infection and are encouraged to take precautions, per the CDC.

The best prevention is to avoid sources of exposure.

• As a general precaution, whenever possible people should avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, and other animals and observe them only from a distance.
• If you must have direct/close contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals, wear recommended personal protective equipment. Wild birds can be infected with bird flu viruses even if they don't look sick.
• Do not touch surfaces or materials (e.g., animal litter or bedding material) contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian bird influenza A virus infection.
• Do not touch or consume raw milk or raw milk products, especially from animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza A virus infection.
• Get a seasonal flu vaccine. Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses, but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human influenza viruses and thus the risk for seasonal and bird flu co-infection.

How to Report Sick/Dead Wild Birds, Poultry, Waterfowl or Pet Birds in Arlington:

• Contact Texas Parks & Wildlife at 512-389-4800 for birds found on private property, such as at a home or business.
• Contact the City of Arlington’s Action Center at 817-459-6777 to report dead wild birds/waterfowl on city-owned property, such as at a public park or the grounds of a city facility, such as a library or recreation center.
• Contact the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1-800-550-8242 or the U.S Department of Agriculture’s toll-free number at 866-536-7593 for dead or sick domesticated birds, such as backyard poultry flocks.
• Contact your veterinarian for a sick or deceased pet bird.

Visit the CDC’s Avian Influenza webpage to learn more information.