A recent poll conducted by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital highlights a concerning gap in public access to accurate and current information about avian influenza A(H5N1), commonly known as bird flu. According to the survey, only 43 percent of parents report being able to find reliable information on the virus, underscoring a widespread issue of misinformation and uncertainty.

The national survey, which included 2,021 parents of children under 18, revealed mixed perceptions about the severity of bird flu. While 41 percent of respondents believe the government should do more to prevent an outbreak, one in five feel the media is exaggerating the threat. Additionally, one-third of parents have taken precautionary measures to protect their families, such as improving hygiene practices (22 percent), handling poultry and meat with more caution (13 percent), avoiding contact with wild animals (12 percent), steering clear of raw milk (10 percent), and reducing consumption of eggs, chicken, and beef (7 percent).

Concerns over potential transmission remain high, with 25 percent of parents worried about the possibility of the virus spreading from animals to humans or among people. Public confidence in the government's response is also lacking—only 18 percent of parents expressed strong confidence in state and federal authorities' ability to remove infected animals or contaminated products from the food supply, while just 22 percent trust the government to effectively communicate product recalls or disposal guidelines. One-third of respondents are doubtful about the government’s ability to contain an outbreak.

Parents primarily rely on news reports (78 percent), social media (31 percent), and internet searches (19 percent) for bird flu updates, with fewer turning to family and friends (15 percent), government agencies (11 percent), or healthcare providers (11 percent).

"There appears to be a gap in public confidence when it comes to the national response to bird flu," said Sarah Clark, M.P.H., co-director of the Mott Poll, in a Michigan Medicine news release. "Misinformation and uncertainty can fuel anxiety, so it's critical that health officials communicate transparently about containment efforts and food safety to reassure families."

With concerns about avian influenza persisting, experts emphasize the need for clear and accessible public health messaging to combat misinformation and help parents make informed decisions about their families' safety.