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Avian Flu
AVIAN FLU (BIRD FLU H5N1) FACT SHEET
 There
has been a lot of “feather-flapping” in the media about a certain strain
of bird flu (H5N1). This has raised concern in many community residents.
As you read this fact sheet, keep in mind that we do not have a problem
with bird flu at this time. Furthermore, bird flu is a disease that
primarily affects birds, not people. Public health and government
officials have been watching bird flu and its development. Rather than
sit back and wait to react to a situation, officials are “looking
forward” so that we can be prepared, should the bird flu genetically
change to a virus that is easily transmissible from person to person.
(Comparable to the ant and grasshopper fable by Aesop!) Unfortunately,
such preparatory actions can lead to misunderstanding, worry and even
panic in the general public.
Here are the most current facts about bird flu:
- Avian influenza (H5N1) is almost exclusively a disease of BIRDS,
not people.
- There is no influenza pandemic (a world-wide flu event) at this
time.
- Some people residing in countries where there have been infected
birds have gotten the disease from prolonged and sustained direct
contact with infected poultry (domesticated chickens, ducks and
turkeys) or from surfaces contaminated with secretions/excretions
from infected birds. However, this virus, in its current state,
rarely spreads from an infected person to a healthy person.
- Avian flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds around
the world carry the viruses in their intestines. These wild birds do
not usually get sick from these viruses, but they are very
contagious amongst birds. In domesticated birds, like chickens,
ducks and turkeys, these viruses can cause severe illness and death.
- The U.S. government has specific sites set up to monitor the
presence of the virus in American birds, especially those that
migrate between Asia and Alaska. However, should the avian influenza
virus appear in the U.S., it does not mean the start of a pandemic
flu. Remember, the avian flu (H5N1) is a bird flu, not a people
flu.
- There is currently no human vaccine for the bird flu. A human
vaccine can not be developed until the exact genetic makeup of an
easily-transmissible (person to person) virus is known. However,
scientists are working on models to use should such a strain
develop.
- There is currently no risk of contracting avian flu from eating
poultry or eggs that have been properly cooked. Most of the eggs and
poultry consumed in this country are from domestic farms, which are
carefully monitored by the U.S. government and are bird flu-free.
There is a ban (issued in 2004) on the importation of poultry from
countries affected by avian influenza viruses.
- It has been determined that there can be a risk from handling
feathers/feather products from countries experiencing outbreaks of
avian influenza. A similar risk is associated with the importing of
pet birds. Therefore, there is currently a ban on the importation of
birds and bird products from countries with avian flu infections.
COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
If bird flu is not here, why is everyone getting so excited
about it?
There are many reasons why people are talking about bird flu. Right
now, the bird flu is the flu on the horizon. From experience, public
health officials know that the more information that people have, the
less likely they will panic and the better the outcome of a situation.
Therefore, educational materials are being distributed to keep you
informed and prepared. Unfortunately, this information is sometimes
taken out of the context in which it is presented and can become
sensationalized. You can take actions now by keeping a supply of food
and your regular medicines on hand (in case you have to stay at home for
any emergency.) You can also remind your family to practice good health
measures, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when sick.
There are good resources available on the topic of preparedness for
emergencies on the following web sites:
www.ready.gov and
www.pandemicflu.gov
Will my regular flu shot protect me from bird flu?
The answer to this question is “no.” Remember, bird flu is
primarily a bird disease. You should get your annual flu shot to protect
you from the stains of flu that are expected to circulate in humans next
flu season.
What if I find a dead bird on my property?
Finding a dead bird on your property is not a cause for concern
at this time. Wild birds can die from many causes. In fact, with West
Nile Virus certain to be in our community again this year, you very well
may see a dead bird. The State of CT will not be
testing (or tracking) birds for West Nile or any other virus this
summer. If you find a dead bird on your property, you can dispose
of it by burying it or placing it in a double plastic bag and discarding
it in the trash. You should not handle dead birds (or any other animal
carcass) with bare hands.
Can I become infected with avian influenza virus by cleaning a
bird feeder?
There is no evidence of this virus having caused disease in
birds in the U.S. At present, the risk of becoming infected from bird
feeders is low, especially because this virus does not typically infect
the kind of birds that feed at bird feeders.
I have heard that my cat can get bird flu. Is that true?
As long as there is no avian influenza (H5N1) in the U.S., there
is no risk of a U.S. cat becoming infected with this disease.
Furthermore, there is no evidence that if a cat contracted avian flu
that they could pass it to humans. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention) are monitoring this situation and will provide
additional information to the public as it becomes available.
I saw products on the internet that claim to prevent and/or
treat the bird flu. Do they work?
Currently, there are no approved vaccines or drugs approved for
treating the specific symptoms of avian influenza. The FDA considers the
sale of unlicensed or unapproved influenza-related products as a
potentially significant threat to the public and is taking action to
protect consumers from fraudulent products.
I am worried about the federal government handling a flu
crisis.
The best way to prevent illness is to take action at the
community level to reduce the spread of a disease. Local municipalities
along with public health personnel will have a lead role arising from
any flu event. Each town already has an Emergency Preparedness Plan.
Public Health is working on expanding those plans to include specific
actions to control influenza. All plans depend upon the collective
action of individuals, families, businesses, schools, and state and
local governments.
 
Quinnipiack VALLEY HEALTH DISTRICT WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY
RESIDENTS WITH INFORMATION ON AVIAN (BIRD) FLU AS INFORMATION BECOMES
KNOWN.
For more information, go to
www.cdc.gov or
www.pandemicflu.gov ( ©
Quinnipiack Valley Health District, May 2006.)
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