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From Washington State University Extension, this is Susie Craig.

Do you have backyard chickens? Bird flu is spreading from birds to cows, and though rare to people. So far, most human cases of bird flu have been mild, in people exposed to infected animals. The infection lasts from a few days to two weeks.

If you’re around poultry, cows, or raw, unpasteurized milk, get medical help immediately if you experience eye redness, fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, or shortness of breath. Eye redness is often the first symptom. Symptoms may be mild to severe, and two to five days after exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend seeking immediate medical attention with symptoms. Antiviral treatment works best when started within the first two days.

You’ve been listening to Food Safety in a Minute from Washington State University Extension.

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Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bird Flu. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/. Accessed online 6/25/25.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs and Symptoms of Bird Flu in People. (12/20/24). https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/signs-symptoms/index.html. Accessed online. 6/26/25.