What can I do to help reduce the risk for infection from wild birds in the United States?
As a general rule, the public should observe wildlife, including wild birds, from a distance. This protects you from possible exposure to pathogens and minimizes disturbance to the animal. Avoid touching wildlife. If there is contact with wildlife do not rub eyes, eat, drink, or smoke before washing hands with soap and water. Do not pick up diseased or dead wildlife. Contact the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for issues related to poultry flocks or the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for issues relating to wild birds. Is there a vaccine to protect humans from the bird flu virus? There currently is no commercially available vaccine to protect humans against the bird flu virus that is currently being detected in Asia and Europe. However, vaccine development efforts are taking place. Research studies to test a vaccine that will protect humans against the current bird flu virus began in April 2005, and a series of clinical trials is under way. For more informatio
