Fact Check: Can bird flu be transmitted to humans? Doctors say it’s rare, advise precautions

With several outbreaks of bird flu being reported from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana, there have been several ambiguous claims being shared online about the impact of the virus on humans.

One such social media post claims that the Telangana government has warned people about consuming chicken in light of cases of the avian flu being recorded in the Telugu states.

This raises the question: can bird flu infections be transmitted to humans?

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the claim of avian influenza affecting humans is misleading since cases of the infection showing bird-to-human transmission are rare.

Experts stated that while there are incidences of the bird flu virus spreading to humans, the cases are rare and can happen only when the virus gets mutated due to frequent transmissions.

Dr J Anish Anand, consultant internal medicine, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, said, “The virus spreads among birds primarily via contact with saliva, nasal secretions and faeces of infected birds in addition to contaminated surfaces, feed or water.”

“In rare cases, avian influenza can mutate or adapt in ways that facilitate transmission to humans. Although extremely rare, there have been isolated cases where limited person-to-person transmission has been reported, typically among people in very close contact,” Dr Anish Anand said.

Birds-to-human and human-to-human spread

When it does, the infection can spread from birds to humans through direct contact with infected birds or surfaces contaminated by their saliva or faeces.

The virus, particularly the mutated forms or strains, can affect humans in close contact with domestic birds including chickens, turkeys and ducks. Commonly, reservoir birds like ducks and geese carry the influenza viruses in their intestines and spread the virus to domestic poultry.

Influenza can result in severe outbreaks in poultry farms, resulting in the death of birds and health officials resorting to culling in large numbers to prevent further spread.

Strict measures in place, says Telangana govt

Dr Ch Malleswari, additional director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Government of Telangana said, “The virus does not affect humans and properly cooked chicken and eggs are safe to consume. The government has implemented strict measures, including movement restrictions and surveillance zones, to contain the outbreak.”

Dr Raja Rao, senior general physician at Gandhi Hospital, said, “This virus is less likely to spread to humans. The spread can happen when the virus mutates or due to exchanges with the human influenza viruses.”

Symptoms and treatment of bird flu

The symptoms in domestic poultry include sudden death, lack of energy and appetite, swelling of head and neck, respiratory distress and drop in egg production. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains can cause severe, often fatal outbreaks in poultry flocks.

Dr Anish explained what the symptoms would be like when humans catch the bird flu.

“The initial symptoms in humans include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches—similar to seasonal flu. Severe manifestations can result in pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, multi-organ failure, and, in some cases, death,” Dr Anish Anand said.

People working with or living near infected birds (poultry workers, veterinarians) have a higher risk, especially if protective measures are insufficient.

Avoid contact with infected birds and thoroughly cook food

The state governments have launched preventive measures in affected areas including rigorous testing and a ban on transport of poultry in infected areas and around surveillance zones.

“Implementing strict measures like disinfecting equipment, limiting farm access, and wearing protective equipment (PPE) when handling birds is essential for poultry workers. The public must avoid close contact with wild or domestic birds that appear sick or are found dead, and thoroughly cook poultry and eggs; high temperatures kill avian influenza viruses,” Dr Anish Anand added.