Although bird flu usually does not infect people, there have been some rare cases of human infection with these viruses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Last month, a patient was hospitalized in Louisiana with a severe case of the virus. It marks the first instance of severe illness linked to the virus in the United States, and was confirmed by the CDC on Dec. 13.

Since April 2024, 61 reported human cases of bird flu were reported in the United States.

As for the Louisiana case, it has been determined that the patient had exposure to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks. It is the first case of bird flu in the U.S. that has been linked to exposure to a backyard flock.

No person-to-person spread of the bird flu has been detected, the CDC notes.

While the virus can potentially infect humans, the CDC declared that the current outbreak is primarily an animal health issue that poses low risk to the health of the general public.

However, anyone who has had contact with sick or dead birds and is not feeling well should contact their primary care physician or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission noted that the avian flu is particularly contagious and lethal to domestic poultry but does not appear to significantly impact wild bird populations.

It further notes that because bird flu viruses are naturally occurring and ever-present in wild birds, preventing or controlling the disease in wild populations is not feasible.

However, the game commission said safeguards can be taken to protect domestic birds or wild birds held in captivity. Owners should always prevent contact between their birds and wild birds to prevent the spread of disease.

Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to continue participating in the remaining season, but should take precautions while handling and dressing birds. These include wearing nitrile gloves, protective eye wear and a mask.