H5 Bird Flu
As of February 12, 2025 the Ohio Department of Health reported the state’s first probable human case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu. An adult male Mercer County farm worker who was in contact with deceased commercial poultry was infected with the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the current risk of bird flu for the general public to be low. However, people with close and prolonged, unprotected contact with infected birds are at greater risk.
The best way to prevent bird flu is to avoid direct contact with wild birds or sick or dead poultry or other animals.
Ohio Department of Health: Ohio Reports First Human Case of Bird Flu
CDC H5 Bird Flu: Feb 12, 2025 Current Situation
Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Avian Flu
OSU Extension: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Cornell Lab of Ornithology – Avian Influenza Outbreak: Should You Take Down Your Bird Feeders?