Avian Influenza ("Bird Flu")
| Introduction & Background |
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| Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. Fifteen subtypes of the Type A influenza virus are known to infect birds, with all severe outbreaks to date caused by subtypes H5 and H7. AI was first identified in Italy more than 100 years ago, and occurs worldwide. AI can be classified into low pathogenicity and highly pathogenic forms based on severity of illness. All birds are thought to be susceptible to infection, but species have different levels of resistance. Migratory waterfowl, particularly ducks, are quite resistant and a frequent reservoir of infection. They can cause epidemics when they come in contact with susceptible domestic poultry species such as chickens and turkey. The disease can have serious socio-economic consequences, causing major losses to the poultry industry and disrupting international trade in live poultry and poultry products. Non-commercial bird species are also susceptible. Information is emerging re: susceptibility of species of mammals. Public Health Threat: The current outbreak of subtype H5N1 has raised international public health concern because the bird flu has jumped to people and other mammals, causing serious illness and death. The disease caused by avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection in humans differs from that usually caused by influenza viruses, where respiratory symptoms are dominant. H5N1 has a documented ability to replicate in a wide range of cell types, resulting in severe disseminated disease affecting multiple organs and causing high mortality. There is serious concern that the East Asian outbreak may develop into a public health emergency if the virus continues to circulate. Therefore international public health agencies are urging that poultry in infected areas be vaccinated or killed (and not distributed for consumption) to prevent avian influenza from becoming endemic. Transmission and Precautions: Direct contact with infected birds is the main source of infection for humans. Large amounts of the virus are excreted in droppings from infected birds (because the virus circulates in the intestinal system as well as the respiratory system) and thus can be carried in manure adhering to clothing, shoes or cages. Domestic birds often become infected as result of contact with migratory waterfowl that carry the disease while being resistant to it themselves. Farmers are advised not to permit visitors to their farms and chicken houses. Also to separate poultry and pigs, a species that is susceptible to avian influenza and whose immune system in similar to that of people, so also susceptible to other strains of influenza. Human infections via consumption of poultry products have never been reported. As a precaution, however, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises consumers to thoroughly cook all foods from poultry, including eggs, since influenza viruses are destroyed by heat. Travel Advice: Neither WHO nor CDC are advising restrictions on travel to any country currently experiencing outbreaks of avian influenza A (H5N1) in poultry flocks or cases in humans. The WHO is coordinating the global response to human cases of avian influenza and provides current advice for travelers. |
Resources: General Information |
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Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine http://www.vet.cornell.edu/news/AvianFlu/ Situation update and background, descriptive summary of disease etiology, safety measures, etc. |
Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology |
Gannett Health Services at Cornell University http://www.gannett.cornell.edu/healthAtoZ/healthAdvice/avianflu.html |
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) |
| United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) |
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/birdbiosecurity/biosecurity.html USDA APHIS has a national campaign to promote avian health through biosecurity measures. |
USDA (2007) "Avian Influenza: USDA has Taken Important Steps to Prepare for Outbreaks, but Better Planning Could Improve Response". A well planned, coordinated emergency response is essential....to mitigate financial losses to the $28 billion U.S. poultry industry. |
Safety Resources |
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| http://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/avian-flu.html OSHA has provided a new guidance document to assist employers in protecting employees from avian influenza. It addresses workers in the following jobs: poultry, laboratory, animal handlers, food handlers and health care. It also has information that employees can use to protect themselves. |
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| NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife/avianfluqa.html The DEC website addresses questions about bird flu with respect to pets, wild birds and human exposure. |
| NYS Department of Health (DOH) http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/avian/ The DOH provides general information for the public on issues such as what to do if you see a dead bird, are exposed to bird droppings and if feeding birds is a high risk activity. |
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Center for Infectious Disease, Research and Policy |
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http://www.cidrap.umn.edu |
