February 24, 2025

Dear USET/USET SPF Family,

The USET Office of Tribal Public Health (OTPH) is sharing this alert to keep USET member Tribal Nations informed about H5N1 bird flu cases, which have been identified within USET states. While the current risk to humans is low, it is important to stay informed and take preventative steps to protect individuals and communities. As of January 6, 2025, there have been 67 reported cases and 1 death in humans across the U.S. Below is information on what bird flu is, why awareness is important, and recommended prevention measures to help safeguard the health of USET Member Tribal Nations and communities.

USET is conducting a brief survey to better understand livestock and poultry operations within USET member Tribal Nations, particularly in light of ongoing concerns about H5N1 (avian influenza or bird flu). This short survey consists of four questions and should take no more than 2-3 minutes to complete. Your input will help us better support Tribal Nations in protecting both animal and public health. Thank you for your time! Tribal Nation Livestock & Poultry Operations Assessment

What is Bird Flu?

• Bird Flu, also known as avian influenza A (H5N1), is a highly infectious respiratory disease that usually spreads between birds and other animals through mucous, saliva, or feces. It can also spread from birds and animals to humans, primarily affecting the following at-risk groups:

At-Risk Groups:

• Individuals who have job-related or recreational exposure to infected birds or animals, including cows, are at greater risk of contracting H5N1 virus
• Backyard farms/animals

• Veterinarians and veterinary staff
• Health responders (Animal and Public)

• Abattoir (Butchery) workers
• Zoo or other wildlife facility workers

Seriousness:

H5N1 does not normally transmit easily from person to person. However, the current virus circulating in poultry and other animals can result in mild to severe illness, hospitalization, and death in humans. This cross-species transmission increases the potential for the virus to mutate to become more contagious.

• Most human infections with H5N1 virus cases have occurred after exposure to infected poultry in 23 countries. Worldwide, over half the people infected with H5N1 have died.
• In the United States, as of January 16, 2025, there are 136,327,394 poultry and 928 dairy herds affected by avian influenza A.
• Across USET states, there is an uptick of H5N1 outbreaks and 1 or more confirmed human H5N1 infections within these locations (e.g. Louisiana and Texas)

Symptoms: Symptoms may vary but can include:

• Eye redness or conjunctivitis
• Fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Severe cases may cause shortness of breath, altered consciousness, and seizures

Reported Counties with H5N1 Outbreaks within Animals

Confirmed Human H5N1 Cases in the U.S.

Health Overview

Stay Informed: Please share this alert with community members and remain vigilant about food/hygiene practices. Your health and well-being are our top priority. Therefore, we have provided recommendations during this time below.

Public Health Recommendations:

1. Avoid Contaminated Surfaces/Animals:
   • Avoid touching surfaces or materials (such as animal litter or bedding material) contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza A infection.
   • Avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, and other animals and observe from a distance.
2. Wildlife/Farm Workers:
   • If you must work directly with sick or dead wild birds, poultry or other animals, it is recommended to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
   • Follow PPE guidelines for milk and poultry factories on how to stay safe when working directly with products. (Guidelines for PPE)
3. Food Handling:
   • Refrigerate: Refrigerate meat, eggs, and poultry.

• Cook Thoroughly: Cook meat and poultry to their recommended internal temperatures. For example, ground meat and eggs should reach at least 160°F (71°C) and poultry should reach 165°F (74°C). (Food Temperature Safety)

1. Cross-Contamination Prevention:
• Separate Foods: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.
• Clean Surfaces: Wash hands, cutting boards, and kitchen utensils with hot, soapy water after handling raw foods. You can also sanitize cutting boards with a solution of 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water. (Cleaning-Food Safety)

For additional information or clinical guidance, please see the resources listed below. If you have any questions, concerns, or suspicions related to this matter, the USET TEC is here to support you. Please feel free to reach out to us at usetepi@usetinc.org for guidance or assistance.

Sources

Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Avian Influenza A Viruses in People | Bird Flu | CDC

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus: Interim Recommendations for Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Investigations | Bird Flu | CDC

Influenza: A(H5N1)

How CDC is monitoring influenza data among people to better understand the current avian influenza A (H5N1) situation | Bird Flu | CDC

Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Avian Influenza A Viruses in People | Bird Flu | CDCH5 Bird Flu: Current Situation | Bird Flu | CDC

Cumulative number of confirmed human cases for avian influenza A(H5N1) reported to WHO, 2003-2024, 12 December 2024

Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart | Food Safety and Inspection Service

Cutting Boards | Food Safety and Inspection Service

Established in 1969, the United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. (USET) is a non-profit, inter-Tribal organization serving thirty-three (33) federally recognized Tribal Nations from the Northeastern Woodlands to the Everglades and across the Gulf of Mexico. USET is dedicated to enhancing the development of Tribal Nations, improving the capabilities of Tribal governments, and improving the quality of life for Indian people through a variety of technical and supportive programmatic services.