May 3 (Reuters) - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday that people should avoid exposures to sick or dead animals suspected to be infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus.

Farmers, workers and emergency responders should wear appropriate personal protective equipment when in direct or close physical contact with sick birds, livestock or other animals, the agency said. (Reporting by Bhanvi Satija in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)