Is it true that migratory wild birds contribute to the spreading of H5N1 virus in other countries?
The Romanian Ornithological Society - Avian InfluenzaUntil now there has been no clear evidence to support this opinion but we can't ignore this possibility entirely. It seems that the spreading of the virus in South-East Asia is the result of transporting sick birds among farms. The locations in which the virus was isolated do not correspond with migration time and direction of wild birds. Nevertheless the recent cases in Europe were identified in locations that overlap with migration trails (including the Danube Delta).
Related QuestionsAre migrating wild birds spreading High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza H5N1?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION ON AVIAN INFLUENZAPossibly ? but this is unproven and (evidence suggests) unlikely. If wild birds have any role, it is minor compared to other mechanisms. While a few outbreaks are consistent with the direction and timing of wild bird migration, most are not. The 2005 autumn migration came and went without migrating waterbirds spreading H5N1. The virus has not so far been reported from the birds' wintering areas in India, the Philippines, the Pacific and Africa.
Related QuestionsAre migratory birds carrying the virus from one country to another?
USGS National Wildlife Health Center - Avian Influenza - Fre...The role of migratory birds in the transfer of the Asian H5N1 strain is not clear. H5N1 has been identified in an increasing number of wild birds. The pattern and timing of several outbreaks have not coincided with periods of major migratory movements or migratory routes. However, there are also reports of wild bird mortality that are associated with outbreaks of HPAI H5N1 in poultry.
Related QuestionsWhere are the most likely routes that H5N1 could enter the United States through migratory birds?
USGS National Wildlife Health Center - Avian Influenza - Fre...Migratory birds usually travel the same routes in their annual migrations. In the Northern Hemisphere, birds begin moving south during August and September of each year. North American migratory birds that over-winter in Asia may come into contact with potentially infected domestic or wild birds during the winter months. In spring, migratory birds will migrate north to their breeding grounds in eastern Russia, Alaska, and Canada.
Related QuestionsCan 'healthy' wild birds carry the HPAI H5N1 virus?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION ON AVIAN INFLUENZAWell over 100,000 healthy wild birds have been tested across South-east Asia in the last two years. Out of 16,000 living wild birds (mainly migratory) tested at the Mai Po Nature Reserve in Hong Kong between 1997 and 2004, none tested positive for HPAI H5N1. Of 850 samples (mainly faecal) from living wild birds tested at Lake Erhel, Mongolia in August 2005 (after an H5N1 outbreak), none was positive.
Related QuestionsDo migratory waterfowl disperse the high pathogenic Asian H5N1 strain of avian flu virus?
Bird Flu: Frequently Asked QuestionsThe available evidence supports the contention that migrating birds are responsible for part of the spread of the highly pathogenic Asian H5N1 strain of avian flu. However, the illegal movement and trade of poultry has also been implicated in the dispersal of the virus and seen by most authorities as the most serious threat to spread the disease.
Related QuestionsWhat is the Department of the Interior doing to check wild migratory birds for avian influenza?
USGS National Wildlife Health Center - Avian Influenza - Fre...USGS and FWS, in collaboration with State of Alaska biologists have been strategically sampling migratory birds for H5N1 in the Pacific Flyway for several months. These efforts complement a series of ongoing avian influenza studies being conducted by the USDA and its university partners in Alaska, where birds that regularly migrate between Asia and North America are known to congregate and to nest. The U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S.
Related QuestionsAlaska Science Center - Avian Influenza ResearchWhere will DOI surveillance efforts be focused next. Hunters/Visitors to Federal Lands and Trust Species WelfareRelated Questions
Can wild birds catch H5N1?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION ON AVIAN INFLUENZAYes. The current strain has caused deaths in a number of wild bird species, mostly waterbirds. Most of these flock or nest in colonies on waterbodies or nearby farmland. Others are birds that often feed and scavenge in polluted waterways near towns and farms. Yet others are scavenging species that are likely to forage around poultry farms, such as crows and magpies.
Related QuestionsAre waterfowl and migratory birds at risk of spreading Newcastle disease?
McMurrayHatchery.com Home PageYes, cormorants and pelicans were identified with Newcastle disease in 1992 in Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan and Canada. One South Dakota poultry site and two North Dakota poultry sites were affected. This episode of Newcastle Disease was not the same strain of END that occurred in California in 1998 and now in 2003, or that occurred in Mexico in 2000.
Related QuestionsCan humans catch the H5N1 virus from wild birds?
Welcome to the Flu in Maine Website - Avian InfluenzaTransmission from wild birds to humans may be possible. Normally, avian flu viruses are passed among various species of shore birds, waterfowl and domestic birds, including poultry (chickens, turkeys, etc.). The H5N1 virus has also, on rare occasions, passed directly from domestic birds, especially chickens, to humans. This is most likely if the people are in close and regular contact with diseased poultry, as they would be in a chicken farming operation.
Related QuestionsCan migratory birds bring avian influenza (H5N1) to North America?
Pandemic Influenza :: Union Hospital Health Group :: Your Pa...Migratory birds infected with the avian influenza (H5N1) returning from Asia could potentially interact with other North American wild birds, but usually illegal smuggling of birds and poultry products, travel by infected people, or people traveling with virus are more direct, and more likely, ways of introducing the avian virus into the United States.
Related QuestionsHOW IS THE VIRUS SPREAD, IF NOT BY WILD BIRDS?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION ON AVIAN INFLUENZAUse of infected poultry manure as fertiliser in agriculture and agriculture, and as feed in fish-farms and pig farms Most outbreaks in south-east Asia can be linked to movements of poultry and poultry products (or infected material from poultry farms, such as mud on vehicles, or peoples' shoes).
Related QuestionsWhich countries have identified bird flu in wild birds or domestic flocks?
Frequently Asked Questions About Pandemic Influenza and Avia...According to the World Health Organization, the avian flu in wild and/or domestic birds has spread from Southeast Asia to South Asia and Pacific countries, to Africa and the Near East and to several countries in Europe. Forty-three countries have reported infected birds as of April 19, 2006.
Related QuestionsWhat is the role of wild birds in spreading High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza H5N1?
Nature Canada Preservation Conservation Endangered Species C...Recent outbreaks of H5N1 in 2006 among wild birds in Europe and the Middle East show that wild birds are capable of carrying the virus long distances after infection—at least during the disease’s incubation period, which may be several days. One important, unanswered question is how easily infected wild birds can pass the disease on.
Related QuestionsAvian Influenza: Frequently Asked QuestionsOutbreaks of H5N1 in 2006 among wild birds in Europe and the Middle East showed that wild birds are capable of carrying the virus some distance after infection-at least during the disease's incubation period, which may be several days. One important, unanswered question is how easily infected wild birds can pass the disease on.Related Questions
How is H5N1 spreading?
New Mexico Avian InfuenzaThe H5N1 virus is spread between birds through contact between an uninfected bird and an infected bird's saliva, nasal secretions, or feces. The movement of infected poultry, contaminated poultry equipment, or people with virus-contaminated clothing or shoes results in the international movement of the H5N1 virus. Historically, the movement of poultry-adapted avian influenza strains does not involve wild birds.
Related QuestionsWhat other ways are there to spread this virus if wild birds are not responsible for it?
The Romanian Ornithological Society - Avian InfluenzaThere are several ways to spread the virus from one geographical region to another: transporting the birds (and their feathers) to different poultry farms, the trafficking of captured wild birds and the involuntary transporting of soil on shoe soles and vehicle tires. Each of these ways of spreading the infection plays a certain part in the epidemic, but until now all cases were triggered by domestic and farm poultry transport.
Related QuestionsWhat would be the significance of a finding of H5N1 in wild birds?
Avian Influenza "Bird Flu" Frequently Asked Questi...The U.S. government is sampling wild birds in Alaska and other areas to look for H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza. The government expects to announce any detection of H5N1 even before the level of pathogenicity is determined and before it is determined if the strain is the Asian one. Therefore, an initial detection of H5N1 could turn out to be a low pathogenic, North American variety that has nothing to do with Asian avian influenza.
Related QuestionsHow can the H5N1 virus become a pandemic virus?
Avian Flu: Frequently Asked Questions - Shenyang, ChinaThe H5N1 virus can improve its ability to infect humans when "reassortment" occurs, resulting in a new virus with enhanced human transmissibility. This is caused by an exchange of genetic material between human and avian influenza viruses when a human becomes infected with both at the same time. Pigs may also serve as "mixing vessels" for this exchange and then transmit the new virus to humans. Such an event would be announced by a sudden surge of cases with explosive spread.
Related QuestionsWhat should be done if migratory birds are sighted near one's house?
Avian influenza : Frequently Asked QuestionsMigratory birds may or may not carry the avian flu virus. It depends on whether these birds have flown from a region where avian flu is prevalent. This can be determined only by an expert. Therefore in case a migratory bird is sighted, it should not be killed. However, as a precaution, one should stay away from these birds and their droppings. The municipal authorities should be informed immediately.
Related QuestionsShould wild birds be culled to stop the disease spreading?
Nature Canada Preservation Conservation Endangered Species C...This would be a highly misguided response. The World Health Organisation, Food and Agriculture Organisation and OIE (the World Organisation for Animal Health) agree that control of avian influenza in wild birds by culling is not feasible, and should not be attempted. Juan Lubroth, FAO senior officer responsible for infectious animal diseases, has commented: "[Culling] is unlikely to make any significant contribution to the protection of humans against avian influenza.
Related QuestionsAvian Influenza: Frequently Asked QuestionsNo. The United Nation's World Health Organisation, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and OIE (the World Organisation for Animal Health) agree that control of avian influenza in wild birds by culling is not feasible, and should not be attempted. Juan Lubroth, FAO senior officer responsible for infectious animal diseases, has commented: "[Culling] is unlikely to make any significant contribution to the protection of humans against avian influenza.Related Questions
Is it safe to visit other countries that have reported cases of the H5N1 virus?
Potomac Institute - Bird Fluof July 2005, the WHO has not advised any travel restrictions. If traveling abroad and you are going to eat poultry make sure the meat is well cooked. When visiting affected countries, avoid farms, markets with live birds, live poultry and birds, and adopt good hygiene practices. This guide and the Bird Flu Poster do not necessarily represent the views of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies.
Related QuestionsWhat is an avian influenza A (H5N1) virus?
Avian Flu Frequently Asked QuestionsInfluenza A (H5N1) virus – also called “H5N1 virus” – is an influenza A virus subtype that occurs mainly in birds. It was first isolated from birds (terns) in South Africa in 1961. Like all bird flu viruses, H5N1 virus circulates among birds worldwide, is very contagious among birds, and can be deadly.
Related QuestionsCan I get AI from handling wild birds?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens considers that the risk of transmission of AI from wild birds to the general public is small. However, to minimise any risk it is advisable to carry out general hygiene precautions when handling wild birds, such as wearing disposable protective gloves when picking up and handling carcases and washing hands, nails and forearms thoroughly with soap and water after handling the carcase.
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