According to the CDC, the current bird flu viruses have only resulted in one reported human infection globally. In Jan. 2022, a person from the U.K. was infected after raising birds that had come down with bird flu viruses, but the individual exhibited no symptoms. There have been no bird flu infections reported in the U.S. so far. "Right now, the H5N1 bird flu situation is primarily an animal health issue," the CDC said in a March 7 statement.
"Based on past experience with earlier H5N1 bird flu viruses—and what is known about this group of viruses from existing epidemiologic and genetic sequence data—CDC believes the health risk to the general public is low," Kate Grusich, a spokesperson for the CDC, added in a statement to NBC News.
While the risk to the general public is thought to be low, the CDC has warned that if you are more likely to be exposed to birds—whether from your job or recreational pursuits—you could be at higher risk of infection. According to the agency, there are more than 140 people in the U.S. at this time who have had bird flu exposure from infected birds or poultry, and have been or are currently being monitored to see if they contract the virus.
Due to this and the potential for the situation to change, the CDC said it is "taking routine preparedness and prevention measures in case this virus changes to pose a greater human health risk." After all, continued spread of the virus among birds could give it more of a chance to mutate and become more of an issue to humans—like COVID.
"New strains of influenza that are introduced to the human population and can cause global pandemics often originate from these animal sources, in particular birds," William Schaffner, MD, an infectious diseases expert at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told NBC News. "There is a risk that some of these bird flu strains may pick up the genetic capacity to infect humans."
Pam please tell Donnie these Hansennes do indeed have a lot of class. Large wings like I've never seen like maybe on a duck or owl. They have a lovely prance, and their Roman noses takes the cake. Love it! Keep up the good breeding Donnie.
Dear Don,
Just sending a gift for my appreciation for getting such nice Sion birds from you. When I get some youngsters from them, I will send you some photos. I am still planning on purchase another hen and cock. Have a good breeding season with your birds.
Received birds this morning here in Missouri. They are safe and both beautiful.
Beautiful female pigeon. Lovely mix of colors, fether quality and great posture. I figured her picture wasn't the best pose. The male is impressive and very masculine looking and I'm happy to say they are calm and get along very well together. Thanks again they are gorgeous....
The birds arrived today got them all tucked in the loft. You saved the best for last I think there nice birds ,,only sorry I didn't buy a couple of the other hens. Thanks alot
Hello. I received the birds today they look great. Thank you very much.
The Hen is here! Awesome bird & I can feel the power just holding her. She is very calm pigeon & that is always a plus. Thanks so much!
Hi this is Nate from Wisconsin. I just wanted to let you know the Andalusian cockbird made it here in good shape today. Thanks again!
Hi Don, birds are adapting well. I like their presentaion & calmness. Looks like they will fit in with my birds. I see what you mean about the BB. We'll see how he produces. Might b a genetic thing & go away when crossed with and unrelated hen.
Regards
Jim
Halo! Just picked up bird from post office. Thank you very much!
Thank you very much for your attention. the pigeons are beautiful and eat well. Im recommending your pigeons to my friends. I hope to buy more pigeons from you in the future. Thank you.
Arrived early and in perfect condition. I have 8 favorites.
