Avian Flu has Been Detected in Rhode Island. Here’s What You Need to Know

Last month, a flock of birds in southern Rhode Island was euthanized after they were found to be infected with H5N1 avian influenza. While the threat to public health is considered to be low, Dr. Suzanne Bornschein, medical director and state epidemiologist at the Rhode Island Department of Health, says you should take some necessary precautions to protect yourself and your pets.

How common is it for humans to be infected by avian flu?

Suzanne Bornschein: There’s still a lot we don’t know, but one thing we know for sure: No human to human spread at this time. So the public health risk for the general public is low. But if you’re somebody that works in a dairy farm or you work with an infected poultry flock, that would put you at higher risk. And then, of course, there’s always the hunters.

This interview was conducted by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire interview here.