Why are we concerned about avian flu?
Avian Bird Flu Pandemic - Frequently Asked QuestionsThe avian (bird) flu that is affecting poultry flocks in Asia at the present time has increased experts' concern and has now been found in birds in some parts of Europe. The avian flu virus (H5N1) which is causing these outbreaks has affected some humans causing serious illness, and a high proportion have died. Scientists fear that this virus may change with time to make it a more serious threat for humans and start another pandemic.
Related QuestionsBird Flu FAQThe birdflu that is affecting poultry flocks and avian health inAsia at the present time has increased experts' concern and has now been foundin birds in some parts of Europe. The avian viruses including H5N1 which is causing these outbreaks has affected some humanscausing serious illness, and a high proportion have died. Scientists fear that this virus may change with time to make it a moreserious threat for humans and start another pandemic.Related Questions
What about avian flu?
Frequently Asked QuestionsAvian flu or “bird flu” normally infects birds, although these bird strains can sometimes infect small numbers of humans who come in close contact with them. Sometimes – not always – these bird strains can become more easily transmitted to people. If that happens, and the strain changes enough to become easily transmissible between people, it can result in a pandemic – a global circulation of a strain that really hasn’t been seen in people before.
Related QuestionsAvian Flu: Frequently Asked Questions - RADIO FREE EUROPE / ...Also known as bird flu, it is an infectious disease in birds caused by several strains of the influenza virus. It was identified in Italy in 1878. All bird species are at risk, although some are more liable to infection than others. The natural host for the virus is migratory waterfowl, such as wild ducks, which have a high resistance to infection. Domestic poultry are particularly susceptible.Related Questions
What is avian influenza (avian flu/bird flu)?
Bird Flu: Frequently Asked QuestionsAvian influenza, or avian flu, is a common, naturally occurring virus in birds that has many forms or subtypes. Scientists believe all birds are susceptible to infection by some form of avian flu. Some birds, like waterfowl, can be infected with the virus but develop no signs of illness. In addition, the potency (virulence) varies greatly among the various subtypes of the avian flu virus.
Related QuestionsBird Flu FAQThe birdflu that is affecting poultry flocks and avian health in Asia at the present time has increased experts' concern and has now been found in birds in some parts of Europe. The avian viruses including H5N1 which is causing these outbreaks has affected some humans causing serious illness, and a high proportion have died. Scientists fear that this virus may change with time to make it a more serious threat for humans and start another pandemic.Related Questions
Is there a vaccine for humans against avian flu?
Avian influenza : Frequently Asked QuestionsThere is no vaccine for humans against avian flu. The vaccine against human influenza virus does not protect against avian flu.
Related QuestionsDo I need to be worried about Avian Flu?
Frequently Asked QuestionsCurrently, there is an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Asia and Eastern Europe. This influenza virus, which is of H5N1 type, is highly pathogenic to most domestic birds, that is, it kills many of thosethat become infected. It has also infected some people, and has killed about half of those who are known to be infected. (H and N types refer to the specific strain. There are several different types of avian influenza,and they are identified by these H and N components.
Related QuestionsWhere can I obtain more information about avian flu?
Bird Flu: Frequently Asked QuestionsThe federal government has established a Web site for avian flu that provides a central source of information on management of the virus. The site confirms the involvement of the federal agencies in the monitoring of and response to emerging information and offers links to relevant avian flu information.
Related QuestionsIs there a shot for human avian flu?
Avian Flu Frequently Asked QuestionsEfforts are underway to develop an effective one for H5N1 virus. The U.S. has put in an order for several million doses of this experimental vaccine. However, governments face the dilemma that this vaccine might not be effective against a new strain of this virus when and if it makes the leap from man to man. We face the same dilemma with antiviral medications. When and if we experience a flu pandemic, we hope a vaccine will be ready in time.
Related QuestionsWhat can I do to prevent avian flu?
Online Health Topicsthis time, the risk to most people from avian flu is low. If you are planning to visit areas affected by avian flu, please see the information for travelers. Practice good health habits everyday: wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze. For more personal hygiene tips, please see Fighting the Flu. Do not touch sick or dead birds and avoid touching bird droppings. If you touch a sick/dead bird or bird droppings, wash your hands with warm water and soap right away.
Related QuestionsIs there a cure for avian flu?
Online Health TopicsThere is no cure for avian or seasonal flus. Because flus are caused by viruses, antibiotic treatment (which works against bacteria) is ineffective.
Related QuestionsHow is avian flu treated?
Online Health TopicsThere are currently four medications (called "antivirals") for flu viruses: symmetrel, flumadine, tamiflu, and relenza. Antivirals may be effective for reducing the severity and duration of the flu. They can also be used to try and prevent the flu if someone has come in contact with flu viruses. However, the current avian flu virus (H5N1) is resistant to two of the available antiviral medications, symmetrel and flumadine.
Related QuestionsWhat is the current status of avian flu?
Online Health TopicsThere is a current outbreak of a type of avian flu referred to as H5N1 that has been confirmed among poultry and other birds. At this time, there have not been any people with H5N1 (cases) in the United States. There have been a small number of human cases of H5N1 in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Most of these cases resulted from direct or close contact with infected poultry. Spread of avian flu from person-to-person has been very limited.
Related QuestionsWhat is avian influenza or "bird flu"?
FAQ's - AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU) AND AVIAN INFLUENZA A H5N...Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. All birds appear to be susceptible, though some species are more resistant to infection than others.
Related QuestionsCan avian flu infect humans?
Marine Forces Pacific - The largest field command in the Mar...Avian flu viruses do not usually infect humans. However, several cases of human infection with avian flu viruses have occurred since 1997. While it is unusual for people to get influenza infections directly from animals, sporadic human infections and outbreaks caused by certain avian influenza viruses and pig influenza viruses have been reported. These sporadic human infections and outbreaks, however, rarely result in sustained transmission among humans.
Related QuestionsHow is the avian flu contracted and spread?
Marine Forces Pacific - The largest field command in the Mar...Avian flu is spread through contact with the avian flu virus, found in the saliva, nasal secretions, and feces of infected birds. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated excretions or surfaces that are contaminated with excretions. It is believed that most cases of bird flu infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces.
Related QuestionsIs there an effective vaccine for avian flu?
Marine Forces Pacific - The largest field command in the Mar...The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, has awarded two contracts to support the production and clinical testing of an investigational vaccine based on a strain of avian influenza, H5N1, which might have the potential to cause pandemic influenza.
Related QuestionsCan Cats catch Avian Flu?
Frequently Asked QuestionsIf viruses change then so does the host susceptibility but there has been no significant evidence of onwards transmission. Although there is some experimental evidence that the virus could spread from cat to cat, there is considerable uncertainty about whether this would take place in a natural setting.
Related QuestionsWhat is the bird flu (avian influenza)?
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) - The Ohio State UniversityThe bird flu (also referred to as avian flu) refers to strains of the influenza virus that infect birds. Avian flu occurs worldwide and was first identified over 100 years ago. Normally avian flu viruses don't infect species other than birds and pigs. In 1997, however, the first documented human case of avian flu occurred in Hong Kong.
Related QuestionsAvian Bird Flu FAQ - Frequently Asked QuestionsAvian Influenza is a virus that normally only infects birds, most notably ducks and chickens. There are numerous strains of the virus in which an infected bird may show few symptoms to others where the virus will rapidly overwhelm a birds immune system and prove fatal in the majority of cases due to acute respiratory failure. Once a single bird has become infected with a highly pathogenic strain of the influenza virus it can quickly spread to a whole flock with typically dire consequences.Related Questions
Is there a vaccine for avian flu?
Avian Bird Flu Pandemic - Frequently Asked QuestionsVaccines against the H5N1 avian flu currently occurring in SE Asia are under development. These are not the same as a pandemic vaccine ? if a pandemic were to emerge from this virus the virus may have changed to such an extent that this vaccine may not be appropriate.
Related QuestionsIs there a treatment for avian flu?
Avian Bird Flu Pandemic - Frequently Asked QuestionsOne or more antiviral drugs are usually helpful in treating avian flu. But they have to be started within 48 hours of the symptoms starting. They can also be taken by, for example, poultry workers and cullers exposed to infected birds, or their droppings, to prevent then getting avian flu.
Related QuestionsShould hunters be concerned about avian influenza?
USGS National Wildlife Health Center - Avian Influenza - Fre...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. There is currently no indication that waterfowl or other wild birds hunted in the United States carry HPAI H5N1. While experts believe the risk to hunters is currently low, scientists cannot guarantee that there is no risk. It is always wise to practice good hygiene when handling or cleaning any wild game.
Related QuestionsAlaska Science Center - Avian Influenza ResearchThere is currently no indication that waterfowl or other wild birds hunted in the United States carry HPAI H5N1. While experts believe the risk to hunters is currently low, scientists cannot guarantee that there is no risk. It is always wise to practice good hygiene when handling or cleaning any wild game. Concerned hunters should take the precautions listed in the fact sheets referred to below, participate in harvest surveys where they occur, and keep up with new information on HPAI H5N1.Related Questions
