Bird flu

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza or avian flu, is a disease that affects poultry and other birds. It is caused by variants of the influenza virus that are contagious to birds. These viruses can make birds ill and even kill them. Some types of bird flu viruses can also be transmitted to humans, leading to (severe) flu. This only happens through direct and close contact with infected birds. People cannot spread bird flu to each other.

Where does bird flu occur?

Bird flu is found all over the world. The Netherlands is an important stopover for migratory birds. Almost all migratory birds make a stop in the Netherlands or fly over it. It involves hundreds of millions of birds every year. These birds can carry the virus and bring new variants of bird flu with them.

What are the symptoms?

Bird flu in humans is very rare. When people do become infected, they experience symptoms similar to those of regular flu, such as:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Cough
• Eye inflammation
• Severe pneumonia
• Breathlessness

How to prevent bird flu?

In rare cases, bird flu can pass from animals to humans, which is called a zoonosis. This usually occurs after close contact with sick birds, such as for poultry farmers or when cleaning up dead birds. Therefore, it is advised to avoid contact with dead birds.

There is currently no specific vaccine for bird flu because there are many different subtypes of the virus that can change quickly. People who work closely with (possibly) sick animals may sometimes receive antiviral medications to reduce the risk of becoming ill.

More information

Would you like to know more about bird flu? Please visit the RIVM information page: Bid flu| RIVM.