South Korea: MAFRA Report on H5N1 In wild leopard cat in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province

Location of Seosan, South Korea

#19,397

While human infections get the bulk of our attention, the impact of HPAI H5 on avian and mammalian wildlife around the world is enormous and growing. 

• Devastating outbreaks in marine mammals (see here, here, and here) have killed tens of thousands of seals, sea lions, and dolphins. 

• Thousands of vultures, hawks, and falcons have succumbed to HPAI (see here, here, and here), including highly endangered California Condors. 

• Felines, both wild and captive, are highly susceptible to the virus, with the USDA's Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Mammals dashboard lists more than 200 feline detections in the U.S. alone.

• Recent seroprevalence studies report a high incidence of infection among polar bears above the arctic circle (see Preprint: HPAI H5N5 in a Polar Bear and Atlantic Walrus, Svalbard, 2026, with Widespread Seroconversion in Polar Bears).

But most wildlife infections go unnoticed.  Marine mammals die at sea, or on remote beaches, and are never recorded.  When a massive die-off of birds occurs, no one counts the bodies.  When an infected fox dies in the woods, the evidence is quickly erased by scavengers. 

Australian citizens have reported over 70,000 suspected wildlife incidents over the past 5 months, yet only a tiny percentage have been investigated. 

As we discussed in early 2025 (see Nature Reviews: The Threat of Avian Influenza H5N1 Looms Over Global Biodiversity), no one really knows the full extent of  H5's carnage, or its likely impacts going forward. 

In the spring of 2025 South Korea reported their first mammalian wildlife infection with H5N1 in an endangered leopard cat. Today they report another wild leopard cat has succumbed to the virus. 

While this is only the second such detection, it is clear from this report they are taking it seriously, as is evidenced by their extensive guidance to the public. 

        (Translated . . .)

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) detected in a wild leopard cat in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province… Surveillance and disease control measures strengthened

2026.11.02 15:30:08 Quarantine Policy Bureau Avian Influenza Prevention Division

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs ( Minister Song Mi-ryeong ) and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment ( Minister Kim Sung-hwan ) announced on November 2 that the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) virus was detected as a result of a detailed examination conducted by the National Wildlife Disease Control Center on the carcass of a wild mammal, a leopard cat * , found on October 23 near Ganwol Lake in Buseok-myeon, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, following a report by a local visitor .

* Class II Endangered Species, primarily feeds on rodents and birds ( home range approx . 10–20 km² )

This is the second time that highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) virus has been detected in a wild mammal in Korea since it was first detected in a wild leopard cat in Hwasun, South Jeolla Province in March 2025 , and the first time this winter .

Meanwhile, the National Wildlife Disease Control Center, an agency under the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, has been investigating whether wild mammals * secured through wildlife rescue centers , resident reports, and surveillance of major migratory bird habitats nationwide are infected with avian influenza (AI) .

Carnivorous and omnivorous mammals such as raccoons , weasels , badgers , wildcats , otters , martens , seals , and finless porpoises

※ Avian Influenza (AI) testing on 245 wild mammal samples from January to October 2026

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment is implementing response measures in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Avian Influenza (AI) in wild mammals established following the case of infection in a wildcat in Hwasun-gun last year , and is strengthening cooperation with relevant agencies to reduce the risk of infection between wild animals , poultry , and humans .

As soon as highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) was confirmed, the situation was shared with relevant agencies , including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and special surveillance was carried out in areas within a 10km radius of the detection site , including searching for dead wild mammals and conducting detailed on-site investigations , and emergency quarantine measures, such as on-site disinfection and access control, were requested from competent local governments, including Seosan City .

In addition , viral gene analysis is performed to identify the characteristics and origin of the infecting virus , and to investigate whether there is additional infection to surrounding wild animals and the possibility of transmission .

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs implemented emergency quarantine measures, such as surveillance and inspection , to prevent the spread to poultry farms within the quarantine zone ( 10km radius ) , and took measures to thoroughly clean and disinfect the interior and exterior of farms , facilities , and vehicles to preemptively block risk factors for the transmission of avian influenza .

Designation and operation of wild bird surveillance areas in accordance with the Avian Influenza Prevention and Control Guidelines

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency ( Chungcheong Region Disease Response Center ) and local governments, including South Chungcheong Province, have stated that they are continuing to monitor the health status of field response personnel, including those who discovered the wildcat and rescue center staff, taking into account the virus's incubation period (10 days) to prevent human infection , and that there have been no suspected cases to date .

In addition , the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment provided the following information to the public to prevent the transmission and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) .

First , you should refrain from visiting wildlife habitats, such as migratory bird sanctuaries, as much as possible . If you must visit, you should avoid contact with wild animals and be careful not to step on feces or bodily fluids . Furthermore , you should strictly observe personal hygiene rules, such as disinfecting shoes and vehicles and washing your hands after returning home, and avoid entering livestock farms .

In addition , even if you discover dead wild birds or mammals, or wild animals exhibiting abnormal behavior, do not touch or move them directly, but report them immediately to the competent local government so that the National Wildlife Disease Control Center can conduct avian influenza (AI) testing promptly .

※ Report to the relevant city , county , or district environmental department via the Government Civil Complaint Information Call Center (110 ) or the competent local government ( area code + 120 ) .

Livestock farm officials must strictly adhere to basic disease prevention guidelines, such as prohibiting entry to migratory bird habitats , controlling the entry of outside people and vehicles, and disinfecting the inside and outside of the farm daily. In addition , if suspected symptoms of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI), such as the death of more poultry than usual, are confirmed , they must immediately report to the disease control authorities (1588-4060/9060) .

Lee Chae-eun, Director General of Nature Conservation at the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, stated, “ As highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) has been confirmed in wild mammals, specifically leopard catesses, again this year following last year, we will strengthen surveillance and inspections to closely investigate whether there are any additional infections in wild animals , and we will do our best to ensure the safety of field response personnel and the public . ” She added , “ We also ask the public to report any dead wild animals immediately without direct contact if they find them . ”

Lee Dong-sik , Director General of the Quarantine Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, “ With highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) confirmed in wild mammals ( leopard cats ) following wild birds, the risk of outbreaks has significantly increased as the related virus has entered poultry farms. ” He urged poultry farm officials to “ strictly adhere to basic quarantine rules , such as spraying rodenticides , ensuring the safe storage of carcasses, controlling the entry of outside people and vehicles, and disinfecting the inside and outside of the farm daily, to prevent wild animals from entering the farm . ”

A little over 3 years ago, in Avian Flu's New Normal: When the Extraordinary Becomes Ordinary, I wrote about the numbing effect that comes with the constant barrage of HPAI H5 reports from around the world.

Events that were nearly unthinkable four or five years ago (see Preprint: Mass mortality of southern elephant seals during multi-species outbreak of HPAI H5N1 on sub-Antarctic Heard Island) have now become `the new normal'.

While we may have become inured to these happenings, that doesn't make them any less impactful to our shared global ecosystem. What future challenges may arise from these continued viral insults to non-human species is difficult to predict.

But given our largely passive response to avian flu, we appear on track to find out.

Washington: Hospitalized Avian Flu Case Died - 3rd Case Reported

 

#19,396

While details are sparse, overnight the Yakima Health District reported that their 2nd avian flu case of 2026 - announced on Saturday - has died, and that a 3rd case (reportedly not severe) has been identified. 

While the patient apparently had (unspecified) `underlying conditions', it isn't clear whether that had anything to do with the course of this patient's illness. 

Pertinent details - like onset date, date of hospitalization and/or confirmed H5 diagnosis, gender, or age - are not provided.  The mode of exposure `at a dairy with infected cattle', is also vague. 

Today's announcement does state that contact tracing is being done on the newly reported third case, and contacts of the second case are being monitored for symptoms. 

The Yakima press release follows, after which I'll have a postscript.

For immediate release: November 1, 2026

Contact: Stephanie Ruiz, Communications Specialist (509) 941-7364

Yakima County Resident Dies from Complications of Avian Influenza

Yakima, WA- The Yakima County resident who was hospitalized with severe illness after contracting avian influenza (bird flu) following exposure at a dairy with infected cattle died today. 

The Yakima Health District offers its heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

The individual had underlying health conditions. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, the Yakima Health District is not releasing their name, gender, or age.

The risk of avian influenza infection to the general public remains low. People at greater risk include dairy workers and others who have close or prolonged contact with infected animals or environments contaminated with the virus. Transmission of avian influenza between humans is extremely rare and has never been documented in the United States. Public health officials are continuing to monitor individuals who had close contact with the patient for symptoms.

Third Confirmed Human Case of Avian Influenza

The Yakima Health District is reporting a third confirmed human case of avian influenza in a Yakima County resident who was exposed to infected dairy cattle at a Yakima County dairy. The  individual has not experienced severe illness or been hospitalized.

The Yakima Health District is working with public health partners to identify and contact individuals who may have been in close contact with the person to monitor for symptoms.     

        (Continue . . . . )

This press release goes on to state: 

To keep the public informed, Yakima Health District plans to update its avian influenza webpage every Monday and Thursday at 2:00pm with the latest available information, including confirmed human case counts in Yakima County. Updates will be shared as new information becomes available.

For the latest information, visit www.YakimaHealthDistrict.org/BirdFlu.

The latest update (Nov 1st) shows:

Hopefully local officials will be more forthcoming about the modes of exposure  (and whether PPE was worn), onset dates, and other details.  The release of sequencing data is also anxiously awaited. 

Stay tuned.

Washington: Yakima County Reports 2nd Human H5N1 Case (Hospitalized with severe illness)

 

#19,395

Yakima County, Washington is now reporting their second human infection with H5N1 associated with their ongoing (and rapidly expanding) outbreak in dairy cattle.  

Worth noting: While `bovine' B3.13 H5N1 infection has generally been associated with mild illness in humans, this case is reportedly hospitalized with severe illness.  

This patient is described as having unspecified `underlying health conditions', and of course, we don't as yet have official confirmation of the genotype (presumably B3.13).

First the press release, after which I'll have a bit more.

For immediate release: October 31, 2026

Contact: Stephanie Ruiz, Communications Specialist (509) 941-7364

Second Yakima County Resident Tests Positive for Avian Influenza

Yakima, WA- The Yakima Health District (YHD), in coordination with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), is reporting a second human case of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, in a Yakima County resident after exposure at a dairy with infected cattle. 

The individual is currently hospitalized with severe illness and has underlying health conditions. 

The risk of avian influenza infection to the general public remains low. People at greater risk include dairy workers and others who have close or prolonged contact with infected animals or environments contaminated with the virus. Transmission of avian influenza between humans is extremely rare and has never been documented in the United States.

The Yakima Health District is working with public health partners to identify and contact individuals who may have been in close contact with the patient to monitor for symptoms. YHD is also continuing to work with impacted dairies and public health partners to identify people who may have been exposed to infected cattle, monitor their health, and provide guidance and resources to help protect exposed individuals. This includes providing testing for exposed individuals who develop symptoms to support prompt diagnosis and appropriate medical care.

Symptoms and When to Seek Guidance

Symptoms of avian influenza in people can include eye redness or irritation, fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue.Illness can range from mild to severe.If you work on a dairy farm and develop symptoms after potential exposure to infected cattle, contact your healthcare provider and let them know about your exposure or the Yakima Health District at (509) 480-3770 for guidance. 

Updated Information on Avian Influenza in Dairy Cattle

As of October 29, 33 dairy herds in Yakima County have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)maintains updated information on confirmed dairy herd detections through its website. The Yakima Health District will also share public health updates and prevention guidance on its webpage: www.YakimaHealthDistrict.org/BirdFlu.

(Continue  . . . )

Those who work with poultry, wild birds, or dairy cattle are presumed to be at greatest risk of exposure to avian flu, but other exposures (dogs, cats, other peridomestic animals) are possible.  

There are also a handful of cases here in the United States where no known exposure was identified. 

 

For people at the highest risk, the CDC continues to recommend the use of PPEs (see below).  

In early October we looked at: 

AVMA: How can veterinary personnel recognize and protect themselves from domestic cats infected with HPAI A(H5N1) viruses?

And the CDC offers the following advice to pet owners on how they may keep their animals safe from avian flu, and what to do if they suspect infection.

While the risk to the general public is still presumed to be low, it is not zero.  

Since every human infection is another opportunity for the virus to adapt, the steps we take today to reduce human exposure could conceivably lower future risks from the virus. 

But for that to happen, people need to take the threat seriously.

Colorado Reports 1st H5N1 In Dairy Samples Since 2024 - Washington State adds 4 more Infected Herds

 

#19,394

Just 24 hours ago I reported that Washington State had added 3 More Dairy Herds Infected with H5N1 (n=30), but yesterday the WSDA added 4 more herds to their rapidly expanding list. 

Meanwhile, Colorado - which was one of the earliest affected states back in 2024 - is reporting its first detection in bulk milk in almost 2 years. The following press release was published yesterday by Colorado's Department of Agriculture.

Routine Milk Tank Testing Detects Colorado's First Dairy HPAI Case Since 2024

Friday, October 30, 2026 

The risk to the general public is low and pasteurized milk continues to be safe because pasteurization kills viruses

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) has confirmed a detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a dairy in Weld County. This is the first HPAI detection in a Colorado dairy since August 2024. Since the initial detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in April 2024, Colorado has implemented routine bulk milk tank surveillance testing to ensure Colorado’s milk supply is not impacted.

“This detection underscores the importance of our routine bulk milk tank testing to keep our herds healthy and our food supply secure,” said Colorado State Veterinarian Dr. Maggie Baldwin. “Colorado has taken a proactive approach to monitoring and responding to avian influenza, ensuring that early detection leads to swift mitigation measures to protect consumers and our food supply.”

The Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office was notified by the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory that a sample from a routine bulk milk tank test tested presumptive positive for HPAI. The National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) issued the official confirmation of the detection of HPAI (B3.13 strain) in a dairy in Weld county on Saturday, October 24. The dairy has been put under a quarantine order.

Under the quarantine order, several mandatory stipulations are in effect to prevent further transmission of the virus. The quarantine restricts the movement of lactating dairy cattle from the affected facility. In addition, the operation must immediately implement strict biosecurity protocols across all farm activities and daily routines. To monitor and verify disease status, weekly bulk milk tank testing is required until two consecutive negative test results are obtained at least one week apart.

CDA is working closely with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and local partners to protect the health of farmworkers and facility staff. Public health officials routinely monitor individuals following potential exposure to infected animals or raw animal products as a standard precaution. People most at risk for avian flu are those who come directly into contact with infected birds or other animals. The risk to the general public remains low and pasteurized milk continues to be safe, because pasteurization kills viruses.

Colorado originally confirmed its first positive detection of HPAI in dairy cattle on April 25, 2024, during an outbreak that grew to affect 64 individual dairies across the state. In response to the widespread outbreak, Colorado became the first state in the nation to institute mandatory bulk milk tank testing for all commercial dairies in Colorado. That comprehensive monitoring effort successfully cleared all affected herds, with all dairies released from quarantine by December 2024.

Colorado was rightfully applauded back in 2024 for their aggressive response to their initial outbreak (n=64 herds) (see Colorado Orders Mandatory Statewide Weekly Bulk-Tank Testing for HPAI), which was copied by many states. 

It will be of considerable interest to learn exactly how this new case came about, and whether this is a one-off event. 

In Washington state, the big questions are what is driving the spread of the virus, and how long it may have been going on before it was detected.  

Until we have answers to those questions, it is impossible to know whether these events are unrelated occurrences or the start of a new trend. 

Stay tuned. 

 

Washington State Reports 3 More Dairy Herds Infected with H5N1 (n=30)

 

#19,393

In just 3 weeks the State of Washington has gone from never reporting H5N1 in dairy cattle, to reporting 30 infected herds. Twelve days ago they also reported a (mildly) infected dairy worker was recovering at home. 

Thus far, we've no information on how the virus (identified as B3.13) is spreading from farm to farm.

While Washington State is the current hotspot for reported H5N1 in dairy cattle, over the past month two other states - Texas and Kansas - have reported outbreaks. 

 

As we discussed yesterday in Preprint: Why Americans Choose Raw Milk: Evidence from a National Quantitative Survey - while Washington State warns against the consumption of raw milk, it also allows its sale in grocery stores. 

Hopefully people are paying attention, not only to these outbreaks, but to the labels on the milk and milk-products they buy and consume. 

Hawaii DOH Reports H5N1 Genotype D1.1 in Wastewater on Kauaʻi

Hawaii lies beneath the West Pacific Flyway

#19,392

In November of 2024 the state of Hawaii reported their first ever detections of HPAI H5N1, first in a wastewater sample on Oahu, followed by two outbreaks in captive and/or wild birds the following week. Subsequent detections were made in wastewater on the big island, in Hilo in December 2024, and at the Wastewater Treatment Plant on Kauaʻi in January 2025.

Proving this all wasn't just a fluke, in the fall of 2025 we saw at least 3 more detections.  While concerning, none of these outbreaks involved the B3.13 `bovine' or D1.1 poultry/wild bird strains, which together had caused scores of human infections in the United Stats. 

Today, however, we have the first detection of H5N1 genotype D1.1, again from a wastewater plant, this time on the island of Kauaʻi. This was an environmental sample from an unknown source, and does not establish an infectious virus, a human case, or community transmission.  

First the DOH statement, after which I'll have more. 

DOH REPORTS H5N1 AVIAN FLU DETECTED IN KAUAʻI COUNTY WASTEWATER SAMPLE

Posted on Oct 29, 2026 in Newsroom

HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) is reporting that a wastewater sample from Kauaʻi County tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza. The sample was collected at a site in East Kauaʻi on Oct. 14, 2026. DOH was notified of the result on Oct. 26. This is the first detection of the H5N1 virus associated with this year’s seasonal bird migration and the first detection of genotype D1.1 in Hawaiʻi.

In the United States, genotype D1.1 has become the predominant genotype in infected wildlife and domestic poultry and there have also been isolated events of D1.1 infecting dairy cattle. DOH continues to test milk from the local dairy and there have been no detections of H5N1. A small number of human cases of genotype D1.1 have been reported nationally. Human cases of avian flu are rare, and most cases have not caused severe illness. No human-to-human transmission of H5N1 has been reported. Genotype A3 was the strain previously detected in Hawaiʻi.

“While the risk to the public remains low, avian influenza can cause severe illness and high mortality among certain bird populations, including poultry,” said Deputy State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nathan Tan..“Commercial poultry producers and residents with backyard flocks are strongly advised to increase biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of infection. Avian influenza can also infect dairy cows and while pasteurized milk is safe to consume, raw milk should be avoided.”

For the municipal wastewater sample collected on Oct. 14 by Kauaʻi County, digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) testing did not detect H5 avian influenza. However, genomic sequencing identified genetic material from H5N1 avian influenza genotype D1.1. The difference in results is not unusual: dPCR tests for specific genetic targets, while sequencing can identify genetic material present in very small amounts. A subsequent sample collected on Oct. 21 tested negative for H5 avian influenza by dPCR; genomic sequencing results for that sample are still being processed.

It is important to note that the detection of H5 genetic material in wastewater does not mean that live, infectious virus is present. Wastewater testing also cannot determine whether the source of the genetic material is animal, human or environmental contamination. An H5 signal does not confirm a clinical case or indicate community transmission. Instead, it serves as an early indicator that can prompt increased awareness and monitoring. The East Kauaʻi wastewater treatment plant is an open system, meaning the detection could be associated with a variety of sources, including contaminated products or waste from infected animals or people.

Wastewater sampling is routinely conducted across Hawaiʻi to support infectious disease surveillance. Samples are sent to the DOH State Laboratories Division (SLD) for dPCR testing, as well as to the University of Missouri for advanced genomic sequencing to identify bacterial and viral genetic material associated with community infections. Using both methods provides complementary information and strengthens Hawaiʻi’s ability to detect low-level signals in wastewater. In addition to SLD’s testing, H5 avian influenza is monitored in other Hawaiʻi counties through the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) and WastewaterSCAN.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (HDAB) recommends the following precautions for residents who need to remove a dead wild bird from their property:

• Wear disposable gloves or turn a plastic bag inside out and use it to pick up the carcass.
• Double-bag the carcass and dispose of it with regular trash.
• Wash your hands and disinfect your clothing and shoes after handling a dead wild bird.
• Monitor for any health symptoms that may develop afterward.

To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock or other wild birds or animals on any island in the state, contact HDAB’s Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7100 or email hdoa.ldc@hawaii.gov, Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For reports outside business hours or on holidays, call 808-837-8092.

Residents who believe they may have been exposed to sick birds or other wildlife should contact the DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division’s Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 for additional guidance.

Roughly 5 months after the first outbreak, Hawaii's DOH Launched a Bird Flu Survey For Backyard Flock Owners & Bird Rescuers, whose findings were published over the summer of 2025.  

The survey was restricted to local residents aged 18 years or older who either keep birds at home, perform animal rescue, or engage in other bird-related activities.

As the following excerpt from the Hawaii DOH press release indicates, there were significant gaps in the understanding of bird flu risks, and best practices, among these high-risk cohorts. 

FINDINGS FROM DOH BIRD FLU SURVEY FOR BACKYARD FLOCK OWNERS AND BIRD RESCUERS

Posted on Jul 24, 2025 in Newsroom

HONOLULU — A survey by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) finds that while most local residents are aware that the bird flu had been detected in Hawai‘i, roughly two-thirds of flock owners had been unaware of related best practices.

In March 2025, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) invited Hawaiʻi residents who keep backyard flocks or are involved in bird rescue to participate in a survey aimed at gathering important data on bird flu awareness and preparedness.

The anonymous, online survey collected information on the understanding of bird flu, as well as the practices and needs of those who keep poultry or care for rescued birds.

Among the findings:

• About two-thirds of backyard flock owners across the state reported they were not at all familiar with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Defend the Flock recommended practices to prevent bird flu.
• Two-thirds of survey respondents also reported not knowing how to properly and safely remove and dispose of dead birds.
• Most respondents (84%) were aware that bird flu had been detected in Hawaiʻi, and of the H5N1 variant that causes the flu.
• Most respondents (72%) said they were very or somewhat concerned about the bird flu.
• The top source of health information for the majority (76%) of Hawaiʻi residents is their doctor, which they ranked as very or somewhat trustworthy.

             (Continue . . . )

Regardless of happens next in Hawaii, the USDA's dashboard (below) indicates, this fall's avian flu season is already off to a vigorous start, with more than 2.5 million birds affected over the past 30 days.

The threat from H5N1 has grown markedly in the Western Hemisphere since 2022. Things we used to do without much thought - like raising a few chickens the backyard - carry more risks today. 

While most commercial poultry producers have experience dealing with outbreaks, surveys indicate that backyard producers are generally less well aware of the signs of avian flu, and may be less inclined to wear PPE.  

Which means, if you raise backyard birds, now would be a good time to familiarize yourselves with the risks of avian flu, and the things you can do to reduce those risks to you and your families.

UF/IFAS Extension: What Backyard Flock Owners Need to Know about Bird Flu (Influenza H5N1)

CDC Guidance Backyard Flock Owners and Bird Flu