Ohio cattle test positive for bird flu. What is avian flu and how can you stay safe?

The Ohio Department of Agriculture confirmed an Ohio cattle herd in Wood County has tested positive for bird flu. The test result is awaiting confirmation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

This H5N1 strain of avian flu, among the deadliest forms according to the Associated Press, has been found in dairy cows in Texas, Kansas, Idaho, New Mexico and Michigan. State and federal public health officials are continuing to assess risks.

The cattle that tested positive came to a dairy operation in Wood County from Texas on March 8. State officials were notified when the cattle began exhibiting symptoms similar to herds infected with bird flu in other states. Most sick cows recover within a few days, according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

The public health risk from bird flu remains low, according to the Food and Drug Administration — only two cases of bird flu in Americans have been reported.

Here is what to know about the bird flu.

What is bird flu, also known as avian flu?

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza or H5N1 virus, refers to the disease caused by infection with Type A viruses. This virus spreads among wild aquatic birds and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.

Humans are not usually affected by the bird flu virus. However, sporadic human infections — diseases that are seen only occasionally, and usually without geographic concentration — from bird flu viruses have occurred.

Infected birds shed bird flu virus through their saliva, mucus and feces, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Human infections with bird flu viruses can happen when the virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled.

What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?

Reported signs and symptoms of bird flu virus infections in humans have ranged from no symptoms, mild, to severe illness.

Symptoms include:

• Eye redness (conjunctivitis)

• Mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms

• Pneumonia (requiring hospitalization)

• Fever (temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit [37.8 degrees Celsius] or greater)

• Feeling feverish (fever may not be present)

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Muscle or body aches

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Difficulty breathing

Less common signs and symptoms include:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Seizures

How to take precaution and what you should do if you think you have avian flu

The CDC developed new interim recommendations for prevention, monitoring, and public health investigations of highly pathogenic avian influenza in animals.

Here is a list of how to take precaution from the bird flu, including:

• Avoid direct contact with birds

• Avoid contact with wild or domestic birds that appear ill or have died

• Avoid unprotected exposure to infected live or dead animals or surfaces contaminated by them

• Learn what to do if you have contact with infected birds or other animals and become sick

• Getting the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of getting sick with human influenza viruses and thus the risk for seasonal and bird flu co-infection

If you think you may have come in contact with the bird flu virus, contact your state or local health department and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Is it still safe to eat poultry?

Yes, it is still safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry. The U.S. poultry industry has strict health and safety standards, including regular monitoring for bird flu.

The CDC provided recommendations around products from other animals with H5N1 virus infections, including cattle and milk, which can be found here.

Columbus Dispatch reporter Erin Glynn contributed to this report

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bird flu in Ohio: What is avian flu and how to prevent exposure