Psychological factors have been neglected in preparation guidelines for an avian influenza (AVI) pandemic. To address this gap, a narrative literature review was conducted to (1) examine how AVI outbreaks—so far largely contained to livestock—have psychologically impacted people, and (2) consider the implications if an AVI pandemic were to emerge, in which large numbers of people would be infected. Findings indicate that AVI outbreaks have been characterized by fear, disgust, and avoidance of poultry products. Many of the other psychological phenomena observed in AVI outbreaks have been documented in past pandemics and other infectious outbreaks: Blame and anger, disease-related avoidance and stigmatization, xenophobia, conspiracy theories, panic buying, and personal stockpiling have all arisen in response to AVI outbreaks. These psychological phenomena may persist and intensify if AVI outbreaks evolve into a pandemic. The lessons learned from COVID-19 can be used to prepare for a possible AVI pandemic. However, additional measures may be needed. Fear, disgust, and avoidance of specific foods would likely distinguish an AVI pandemic from COVID-19. The threat of infected food triggers disgust, and so food-related disgust would likely be a prominent emotional reaction during an AVI pandemic. Public messaging from health authorities and others has the potential to either ease or exacerbate public concerns about food safety, depending on how the messages are crafted.
Keywords: Avian Influenza, Conspiracy Theories, Disgust, Food Avoidance, Pandemic Panic Buying, Vaccination Hesitancy
Citation: Taylor, S. (2026). The Psychological Impacts of Avian Influenza. J Psychol Neurosci; 8(6):1-14. DOI : https://doi.org/10.47485/2693-2490.1181