There 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.

Use 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).

No. Only 121 cases have occurred in the current outbreak despite huge numbers of birds being affected and numerous associated opportunities for human exposures, especially in backyard flocks. It is not understood why some people but not others become infected with similar exposures.

The virus can occur naturally in some wild migratory water birds, such as ducks and geese, which do not get sick from the virus but can carry it to other birds. Domestic poultry such as chickens and turkeys can get bird flu. These bird flu viruses pose no serious threat to human health.

Until 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).

Well 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.

The 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.

Infected farms are placed under quarantine and infected flocks – or flocks at risk of being infected – are killed. In many countries, over 90% of all poultry was culled, devastating the poultry industries in many areas.

The influenza virus is primarily spread by airborne droplets, which easily infect your sensitive spots such as your eyes, nose, and mouth. Touching contaminated surfaces and touching your face can spread the influenza virus.

The vaccine virus (Vaccinia) is spread by touching a vaccination site before it has healed or by touching bandages or clothing that have become contaminated with live virus from the vaccination site. Vaccinia is not spread through airborne contagion. Proper handling of the vaccine site includes these three key points: If you touch either the site or materials in contact with the site by accident, clean your hands right away.

All natural H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infections in domestic cats reported to date appear to have been associated with outbreaks in domestic or wild birds and acquired through ingestion of raw meat likely infected with the H5N1 HPAI virus. Fortunately, there is no evidence to date that domestic cats play a role in the natural transmission cycle of H5N1 HPAI viruses.

There is not enough information available about H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infection in dogs to know how infection would develop. Domestic cats in Europe appear to have become infected by eating infected poultry or wild birds. Details concerning a case of H5N1 infection in a dog in October 2004 were recently published; the dog was infected after it ate the carcass of an infected duck. View the report on the CDC Web site.

Influenza virus is mainly spread when a sick person coughs or sneezes into the face of another person. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face.

Transmission 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.

The H5N1 virus has not been detected in either wild or domestic birds or in humans in North America. However, the virus is more widespread in other parts of the world today than it has ever been, so now is a time to be vigilant.

Please report these without delay so that we can discuss with you and provide advice on the next steps.

While the high pathogenic Asian H5N1 strain of avian flu is presently not a threat to the U.S. public, DU encourages people to follow the standard precautions offered for protecting themselves against wildlife related diseases when handling harvested animals. According to the National Wildlife Health Center, "Persons handling wild birds should follow routine hand washing and safe food preparation practices.

Yes. The standard recommendation for ensuring that any wild game is safely cooked is to cook all types of meat thoroughly to at least 155-165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill disease organisms, parasites and viruses such as avian flu. It's not uncommon to see dead ducks or geese while in the field. Do not assume that any form of bird flu killed the ducks or geese, because these birds can die from many other causes.

While currently there are unconfirmed reports of people being infected with H5N1 from dead wild birds, exposure to domestic and wild birds potentially infected with H5N1 should be avoided. The only documented cases of transmission to humans are from poultry; these cases include both highly pathogenic and low pathogenic strains of avian influenza. the present time, close contact with infected domestic poultry has been the primary way that people have become infected with the HPAI H5N1 virus.

Yes. The standard recommendation for ensuring that any wild game is safely cooked is to cook all types of meat thoroughly to at least 70-75 degrees Celsius (155-165 degrees Fahrenheit) to kill disease organisms, parasites and viruses such as avian flu. It's not uncommon to see dead ducks or geese while in the field. Do not assume that any form of bird flu killed the ducks or geese, because these birds can die from many other causes.

Infected birds shed flu virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces (droppings). Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated excretions or surfaces that are contaminated with excretions.

Infected birds shed influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated excretions or with surfaces that are contaminated with excretions or secretions.

This has not been previously reported in nature, but occurred in the New York area epidemic, where there was a large die-off of American crows. A total of 18 native bird species have demonstrated morbidity or mortality. Also, domestic geese were reported as dying from West Nile virus infection in Israel in late 1999.

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.

There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling live or dead infected birds. However, all dead animals, including birds, should be handled with care. Dead wild animals should not be handled without protective gloves. Any unexplained or sudden death of a crow or a raven should be treated with suspicion. If there are no signs that the bird died from trauma, please contact the Washington County Health Department at 503-846-8722, 503-846-4598 TTY.