The current risk to Americans from the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in Asia is low. The strain of H5N1 virus found in Asia and Europe has not been found in the United States. There have been no human cases of H5N1 flu in the United States. It is possible that travelers returning from affected countries in Asia could be infected if they were exposed to the virus. Since February 2004, medical and public health personnel have been watching closely to find any such cases.

Outbreaks of influenza H5N1 occurred among poultry in eight countries in Asia (Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam) during late 2003 and early 2004. At that time, more than 100 million birds in the affected countries either died from the disease or were killed in order to try to control the outbreak. By March 2004, the outbreak was reported to be under control.

The current risk for people in the United States from avian flu is low. The risk is low because of two factors. First, we do not have any birds that we know of in the United States at this time with the H5N1 flu strain. Second, because H5N1 is almost never transmitted from human to human at this time, it is not able to spread to large numbers of people. top

In February 2004, CDC provided U.S. health departments with recommendations for enhanced surveillance ("detection") in the U.S. of avian influenza A (H5N1). Follow-up messages (Health Alert Network) were sent to the health departments on August 12, 2004, and February 4, 2005, both reminding health departments about how to detect (domestic surveillance), diagnose, and prevent the spread of avian influenza A (H5N1). It also recommended measures for laboratory testing for H5N1 virus.

The H5N1 virus does not usually infect humans. In 1997. However, the first case of spread from a bird to a human was seen during an outbreak of bird flu in poultry in Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region. The virus caused severe respiratory illness in 18 people, 6 of whom died. Since that time, there have been other cases of H5N1 infection among humans.

In February 2004, CDC provided U.S. health departments with recommendations for enhanced surveillance (“detection”) in the U.S. of avian influenza A (H5N1). Follow-up messages, distributed via the Health Alert Network, were sent to the health departments on August 12, 2004, and February 4, 2005; both alerts reminded health departments about how to detect (domestic surveillance), diagnose, and prevent the spread of avian influenza A (H5N1).

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) currently advises travelers to countries with known outbreaks of avian influenza A of the H5N1 strain to avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals. Human cases of avian influenza infection have been reported in several countries, including Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.

New human flu viruses can arise from bird flu viruses that then change to a form that can infect humans and spread readily from person to person. Current bird flu outbreaks in Asia, Europe and Africa are caused by a type of flu virus called "H5N1." Human infections and deaths due to the 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.

Scientists cannot say that there will definitely be an outbreak in the United States, although most believe that it will happen. It is not possible to predict an exact date. Scientists have identified a number of events that they would expect to see as we approach an outbreak and they have already observed many of them. Therefore, it is wise to start preparing now.

Outbreaks of influenza H5N1 occurred among poultry in eight countries in Asia (Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam) during late 2003 and early 2004. At that time, more than 100 million birds in the affected countries either died from the disease or were killed in order to try to control the outbreak. By March 2004, the outbreak was reported to be under control.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta currently advises that travelers to countries in Asia with known outbreaks of influenza A (H5N1) avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals. For more information about travel recommendations, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm#country <http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm>.

Yes, avian influenza viruses are found in wild bird populations in North America and occasionally infect domestic poultry. For example, in 2004 outbreaks of avian influenza in U.S. poultry occurred in the New England states and Texas, and were traced to birds from live bird markets. These outbreaks were not caused by the same "bird flu" virus (H5N1) that is currently circulating in Asia. The U.S. outbreaks were quickly contained and there was no impact on human health.

Although it is unpredictable when the next pandemic will occur and what strain may cause it, the continued and expanded spread of a highly pathogenic—and now endemic—avian H5N1 virus across eastern Asia and other countries represents a significant threat. Avian H5N1 influenza infection in humans was first recognized in 1997 when this virus infected 18 people in Hong Kong, causing 6 deaths.

Yes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there is no evidence that anyone has been infected with H5N1 influenza or other bird flu viruses by eating properly cooked poultry or poultry products (e.g., eggs) derived from infected birds. Cooking food thoroughly will kill bird flu virus and other infectious agents if they are present. No. Although fleas can transmit some diseases, such as bubonic plague, they are not part of the lifecycle of influenza viruses.

No. Public health departments and the US Department of Agriculture are monitoring the situation in the United States , in humans and birds, as well as other animals. To date, avian (bird) flu has not been found in the United States.

The risk from bird flu is generally low to most people because the viruses occur mainly among birds and do not usually infect humans. However, during an outbreak of bird flu among poultry (domesticated chicken, ducks, turkeys), there is a possible risk to people who have contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with excretions from infected birds.

The elderly, the very young, and those with compromised immune systems have the greatest risks of contracting bird flu. Proximity to the virus in infected birds is necessary as well. The risk from bird flu is generally low for most people because the virus occurs mainly among birds and does not usually infect humans.

Be vigilant, report 5 or more dead birds to the DNR office near you. Practice good hygiene - wash your hands frequently, do not handle dead or sick birds, and don't eat, drink, or smoke while handling birds or bird related equipment and materials. And if you feel sick stay home and call your doctor.

About one in 10 U.S. graduates accept positions outside the country immediately after graduation. Companies seeking to fill positions throughout the world focus on functional skills, interests, cultural and language proficiencies. They often hire graduates who are either citizens of a specific country, have permanent work authorization in a country or region, or have prior living and/or work experiences in that part of the world.

Currently, there have been no human cases of Avian Influenza in the United States. There has also been no evidence of Americans becoming infected while traveling abroad. Medical and public health personnel have been watching closely to any evidence of human cases in the United States.

present, the H5N1 avian flu is not known to be here in the United States. Those with pet birds, such as parrots, cockatiels, love birds or budgies should not worry about their pets getting "bird flu" if they have not been out of the country or in contact with birds from other countries. In order to protect your pet birds from other avian diseases, keep your birds isolated from wild birds. Isolation of newly acquired or ill birds from others for 30 days is recommended.

No. There is currently no vaccine to protect people against AI infection or disease, though one is being developed. There is however good evidence that avian flu viruses respond to antiviral drugs.