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What is avian influenza (bird flu)? Avian influenza, also called bird flu, is a disease of birds, usually wild ducks and geese. Sometimes, this disease can also spread from wild birds into domestic poultry. Although bird flu viruses are from the same group as human flu viruses, each virus generally affects either birds or people, not both. Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by human influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Human flu viruses change a little bit every year which is why people can get sick from the flu more than once. It is also why a new flu vaccine is produced each year because the vaccine must be made to protect against a specific virus. Rarely, the influenza virus undergoes a major change that results in a completely new virus. If the new virus causes serious human illness and spreads easily from person to person worldwide, it is called a pandemic. Is highly pathogenic H5N1 the same as bird flu? There are many types of bid flu. One strain of severe bird flu, called highly pathogenic H5N1, has been circulating in Asia for several years and has recently spread to Europe. What does highly pathogenic mean? Highly pathogenic bird flu is a name given to the type of bird flu that causes death of cells in the laboratory. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is usually associated with severe clinical illness and death in birds, particularly poultry species. Why is bird flu getting so much attention right now? The highly pathogenic H5N1 virus in Asia has caused more concern than other bird flu viruses because:
The highly pathogenic H5N1 virus is not currently causing an influenza pandemic. However, these characteristics have raised concerns about the potential for a human pandemic. How are people getting sick from the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu? The highly pathogenic H5N1 virus is found in the saliva, nasal discharge and feces of infected birds. In countries where this disease is found, families frequently raise birds for their own meals, and ducks and chickens often roam freely and contaminate the neighborhood. Human infections have occurred as a result of these heavily contaminated living areas, and from slaughtering and preparing the birds for food. Luckily, this disease is not easily spread between people. If it starts spreading person to person more readily, the way human flu viruses do, it could become much more dangerous. How is the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu spreading from place to place? Healthy birds become infected from direct contact with sick birds, or contact with areas or objects contaminated by sick birds. Much of the spread in Asia is probably a result of movement of live birds to markets. Wild birds may also have the virus but do not always get sick. If they are infected but not sick, they might be able to spread the virus to new areas when they migrate. Do we have avian influenza in New York State? Mild strains of avian influenza are found in wild birds and sometimes in domestic poultry in the United States. NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) performs routine monitoring for avian influenza in live poultry markets and commercial and backyard poultry farms. When any avian influenza is found in poultry, the NYSDAM takes action to eliminate the virus. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation performs routine monitoring for avian influenza in wild birds. Samples from live mallard ducks in Niagara County collected on Oct. 21 were presumptive positive for a low pathogenic H5N1 strain at the national veterinary laboratory. This strain is not related to the HPAI H5N1 in Asia. This strain has been previously found in other areas of the U.S. and Canada in wild birds and does not pose a risk to people or pets.. The HPAI H5N1 strain of bird flu in Asia and eastern Europe has never been found in New York or anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere. What is the risk of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu arriving in New York State? The risk of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu arriving in New York is reduced by federal laws restricting bird imports and by NYSDAM surveillance and control procedures. It is illegal to import poultry or poultry products from countries that are affected by this disease. Smuggling birds or bird products into the country does pose some threat and infected travelers from affected countries might accidentally introduce the virus into the United States. There may also be some risk from migrating wild birds. What can I do to protect myself and my family from bird flu viruses? The highly pathogenic H5N1 virus does not currently pose a risk to people living in the United States. Unless this virus changes so that it spreads easily from person to person, it is not likely to become a significant threat to people living in the U.S. If the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus ever gets into the U.S., any necessary precautions will be publicized by the appropriate authorities. There are general precautions that can be taken to reduce the chance of getting sick from any disease carried by animals:
Will the flu shot protect me against the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu? The flu shot for humans protects against the current human flu viruses, not bird flu viruses. A vaccine is being developed against HPAI H5N1 bird flu in case it changes and becomes a threat to humans. Should I ask my doctor for a prescription anti-flu drug? Tamiflu® and other antiviral drugs are usually used to treat people who are at risk for developing life-threatening complications from the flu. There is no reason to routinely ask for one of these drugs to keep at home. Over-use could result in limited supplies for those who need it most. In addition, over-use in other countries has already caused the bird flu virus to develop some resistance to one drug, and continued over-use will only cause more problems. Finally, all drugs, including antivirals, can cause side effects and should only be used when necessary and under the supervision of a health care provider. How are we preparing for any outbreak of bird flu or a potential pandemic? NYSDAM and the United States Department of Agriculture have prevention and preparedness programs in place to deal with any outbreak of avian influenza in poultry. Because scientists cannot predict if HPAI H5N1 will cause a pandemic, federal, state and local government and others are focusing on comprehensive public health efforts – increased monitoring for outbreaks, international cooperation, antiviral and vaccine stockpiles, and building capacity for vaccine production – that will help protect us no matter what pandemic strain emerges or where. Where can I get more information about bird flu? Click here for more information. Source: New York State Department of Health
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