Q&A

Answers to questions about how avian flu is spread, and its impact on humans, wild birds, and domestic poultry.

What is bird flu?

 

Is bird flu a danger now in the United States?

 

Is it safe to watch birds, feed birds, and monitor nest boxes?

 

If the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus is found in North America, will it still be safe to watch birds?

 

How are birds affected by avian influenza?

 

When and how is avian flu predicted to arrive in Canada and the United States?

 

Are wild birds spreading the disease to new areas?

 

Should wild birds be culled?

 

What will happen if the highly pathogenic virus is detected in the United States?

 

What are avian influenza viruses, and how do they mutate?

 

Is it safe to pick up feathers?

 

Is it OK to handle wild bird eggs and nests?

 

Can my dog or cat catch avian flu?