With the first human case of the H5N1 strain bird flu being reported in China, then Colorado, many people may be immediately worried about a repeat of another contagious virus that originated in China in 2020. However, many experts believe that this worry is unfounded.

  The first and most important thing for people to know about the bird flu is that transmission between humans of the virus is statistically very low. The only human cases of the H5N1 strain have been from those patients coming into contact with infected birds and, while the avian flu’s symptoms has range and may result in death, all reported patients so far are in stable condition.

  A bigger worry is for the poultry industry. Across the country, poultry farms are having to euthanize chickens by the thousands if they find even one case of the bird flu, so as to prevent the disease from spreading further. The first human infected in the U.S. was a prisoner helping euthanize these chickens. With many poultry farms and suppliers having to euthanize their product, we may likely see a shortage of chickens and eggs in the near future.

  As for the average person, there’s only so much one can do to prevent the spread between birds. Recommendations vary from state to state, but Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources is suggesting that people temporarily take down bird feeders and baths where birds often congregate. 

  With all this in mind it is important to remember that the likelihood of the bird flu being transmitted between humans is low, but is more easily transmitted from birds to humans. So, to reduce risk of transmission keep clear from dead birds and bird feces.