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Avian influenza is an infection
caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu)
viruses. These influenza viruses occur
naturally among birds. Wild birds
worldwide carry the viruses in their
intestines, but usually do not get sick
from them. However, avian influenza is
very contagious among birds and can make
some domesticated birds, including
chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick
and kill them.
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About Avian Flu
Do we have Avian Influenza (AI) in
the US?
We have never had an outbreak of
Asian-type H5N1 highly pathogenic avian
influenza in the United States, and we
do not have any cases now. We had
low-pathogenic avian influenza as
recently as 2004. The H5N2 outbreak in
one flock was designated as highly
pathogenic on the basis of a laboratory
test, but a more definitive test failed
to confirm high pathogenicity. The last
confirmed outbreak of H5N2 (not H5N1)
highly pathogenic avian influenza in the
United States was in Pennsylvania in
1983 and 1984. No known human illness or
infections resulted from the outbreak.
Why is it necessary to kill all the
birds in an affected flock?
Like all other living things, viruses
continue to change and evolve. It is
possible that the viruses that cause
mild avian influenza could evolve into a
more pathogenic form. This is apparently
what happened in Pennsylvania in 1983
and 1984, when a low-pathogenic strain
turned into a highly pathogenic strain.
Flocks are destroyed to prevent the
virus from evolving and spreading.
What is done to protect people in
the case of an AI outbreak in a flock?
The people involved in destroying
flocks wear gloves, masks and protective
clothing. Anyone who develops
respiratory symptoms reports to a doctor
to be checked out. People who have no
reason to be on a farm involved in the
outbreak are kept away.
Is it safe to eat chickens, other
fowl and eggs?
Yes, eating properly cooked poultry,
as well as eggs, is safe. The U.S.
government has banned imported poultry
from countries affected by bird flu. At
the present time, H5N1 avian flu is not
present in the U.S.
For protection against many types of
food borne diseases, such as Salmonella,
all poultry should be cooked to 165º F
or hotter. Cooking also destroys flu
viruses.
Why is the "Bird Flu" in Asia such a
big deal?
New human influenza viruses arise
from bird influenza viruses that then
change to a form that can infect humans
and spread easily from person to person.
The current bird flu outbreak in Asia is
caused by a type of influenza A virus in
birds called “H5N1.” The H5N1 avian
influenza outbreak among domestic
chickens and ducks in Asia is widespread
and uncontrolled. Human infections and
deaths due to the avian H5N1 virus have
occurred, although the virus has at this
time not developed the ability to pass
easily from person to person and cause
outbreaks in humans.
What will my symptoms be if I have
"Bird Flu"?
The reported symptoms of bird flu in
humans have ranged from typical
influenza-like symptoms (e.g., fever,
cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to
eye infections (conjunctivitis),
pneumonia, acute respiratory distress,
viral pneumonia, and other severe and
life-threatening complications.
If I think I have the flu, should I
be tested for Bird Flu?
Only if you have a recently returned
from travel to an area where bird flu is
present. Depending on your symptoms,
dates of travel, and activities,
additional testing might be recommended.
Let you healthcare provider know about
your travel history and if you had
contact with poultry or bird markets.
We see a lot of ducks and geese in
the parks, are we at risk?
It is not a good idea to feed
wandering geese and ducks or having them
in contact with your household chickens
or fowl. Avian influenza is present in
the droppings of migratory birds, along
with hundreds of other disease causing
germs. It is always a good idea to wash
your hands with soap and water after
playing at a park, and before eating.
I live near a chicken farm or have
farmers spreading chicken manure next
door, am I safe?
This does not present a risk. At the
present time, the H5N1 strain of bird
flu that has spread through poultry
farms in southeast Asia and into eastern
Europe is not present in the U.S.
Transmission from birds to people
require close contact with birds, such
as handling, butchering or exposure to a
lot of bird droppings. Animals that die
of diseases have to be disposed of
properly.
I have a bird feeder and a bird bath
in my yard. Is that safe?
Maintaining a clean bird feeder or
birdbath is generally safe, unless these
are attracting rodents or raccoons. It
is always best to wear protective gloves
when handling or cleaning these items to
avoid contact with bird droppings or
contaminated water in a birdbath. Always
wash your hands with soap and water
after doing these chores.
Is Avian Flu a risk for pet birds
kept indoors?
The likelihood of getting a pet bird
that is already infected with avian flu
is very low. It is illegal in the U.S.
to import pet birds from regions that
are infected with bird flu. In addition,
if you’re concerned and already own a
pet bird, keep it inside to avoid
exposure to wild or migratory birds.
If you are buying a new bird,
especially of an exotic variety, be sure
it has been legally imported. Smuggled
birds from affected areas could possibly
be infected with the bird flu virus.
Information about federal embargoes on
bird importation can be found at
www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/outbreaks/embargo.htm
Can my other pets get Bird Flu?
There is no evidence that bird flu is
a risk to dogs. There is evidence from
the Asian outbreak that the bird flu
virus might affect cats fed raw poultry,
but there is currently no cause for
concern because the virus is not present
in the U.S.
Who's monitoring for Bird Flu in
the poultry industry?
The Washington State Department of
Agriculture (WSDA) currently has two
programs designed to monitor for bird
flu. They are testing samples of fresh
eggs grown in the state for antibodies
to the virus. They also have a program
in conjunction with the Washington
Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
that tests domestic poultry for bird flu
virus. Persons owning poultry that died
of an unknown cause can inquire about
bird flu testing by calling the WSDA at
360-902-1881 or 360-902-1878.
Who's monitoring for Bird Flu in
wild birds?
Several agencies are conducting
surveillance for bird flu among wild
birds, especially migratory waterfowl.
Surveillance is being strengthened in
certain parts of the country such as
Alaska because it is believed that
migratory birds like ducks and geese
could carry bird flu there from Asia and
Russia.
A fact sheet about the ecology of
bird flu (avian influenza) viruses in
wild bird populations can be found at
the National Wildlife Health Center’s
website at:
www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/fact_sheets/index.jsp#AI
What do I do if I find a dead bird?
You may dispose of the dead bird by
double bagging in plastic bags and
discarding in your household garbage.
Use gloves or a shovel to avoid touching
the bird or any other dead animal with
your bare hands.
I have a small flock of chickens in
my backyard. Are there any special
precautions I should take to keep them
from getting bird flu?
You should practice good sanitation
and preventive measures, such as
reducing exposure to wild birds, to
guard against a variety of diseases.
Excellent information on “backyard
biosecurity for the birds” is available.
For more information,
see
Avian Influenza (Al) - USDA Site
If birds in your flock die
unexpectedly, you can report this to the
Washington State Department of
Agriculture at 360-902-1881 or
360-902-1878; testing for bird flu may
be recommended as part of the state’s
monitoring program.
The information below is provided by the CDC
The information below is provided by the CDC
The information below is provided by the CDC
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