Download - Avian Influenza 101
Avian Influenza 101
Prepared by the Indiana State Board of Animal HealthMay 2006
Goals:
Understand differences in flu types Recognize relative risk Discuss food safety aspects Know how to handle dead birds
3 Categories of Flu
Pandemic flu is NOT bird flu!
3 Categories of Flu
Pandemic Flu Does not currently exist
Warnings are based on predictions An existing virus must mutate first Human-to-human transmission Predicted based on historical cycles
About 3 every century
3 Categories of Flu
Avian Influenza H5N1 One strain of many Most active in Asia Has not been found in North America
3 Categories of Flu
All other avian influenzas Many other strains of the virus May or may not have human health affects
Most do not Considered a general economic, as well
as health, threat to poultry industry Routine flock testing by industry, USDA and
Indiana State Board of Animal Health
What Is Avian Flu?
Simple Answer: A Virus
Avian Influenza
Numerous subtypes HxNx: 16 Hs and 9 Ns
Theoretically 144 combinations Antigens on the virus surface
Few have human health impact H5N1, H7N2, H7N3, H7N7, H9N2 Most no more than conjunctivitis
Avian Influenza
Why the concern about H5N1? Unique transmission directly to people
Only with very close contact with birds No sustained human-to-human transmission
Some similarities to 1918 strain High death rate among reported cases
Low-Path AI: Key Facts
Does occur periodically in the U.S. Naturally in wild bird populations
No known human health affects Is not cause for fear
High Path AI: Key Facts
Not currently found in N. America Texas, British Columbia: 2004 Pennsylvania: 1983-84
H5N1 currently not readily transmissible to humans No sustained human-human spread
High death rate in birds
HPAI: Clinical Signs
Sudden death without signs Lack of energy, appetite Reduced egg production Swollen head, eyelids, comb, wattles Discolored purple wattles, comb, legs Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing
Report cases to: 866-536-7593
What is Our Risk of H5N1?
Indiana is not a high-risk state
H5N1 Risk
U.S. ban on trade with countries with HPAI infection No live birds, eggs or poultry products
Most U.S. poultry raised indoors High biosecurity in commercial flocks
Close bird contact is uncommon In homes
H5N1 Risk
Migratory birds Waterfowl on international fly-ways
Nationwide testing of wild birds Pacific rim/Alaska
Indiana is not on a major fly-way Resident Canada geese are low risk USDA, DNR targeted surveillance
Can I Get AI From Eating Eggs or Poultry?
AI is not a food safety threat
Food Safety
If properly handled, AI is no threat Wash your hands when handling food Clean all surfaces in contact with raw
meat Keep foods cold before and after cooking Do not cross-contaminate Cook poultry to 170 degrees F
Avian influenza virus is killed at 140 F
Food Safety
Poultry products are inspected Twice: before and after slaughter
Sick, dead birds are not processed All flocks are tested for AI
Infected flocks are destroyed without entering the food chain
How Do I Know MyFood Supply Is Safe?
Testing and Inspection
Food Supply Safety
U.S. agriculture is different Commercial flocks raised indoors Biosecurity prevents wild bird exposure Poultry raised away from other species Animals not kept in homes/close human
contact Flocks regularly tested for disease
75,000+ birds in IN this year
HOGS
HOG MANURE
Sleeping with peacock
Food Supply Safety
U.S. food consumption is different Healthy birds slaughtered under
inspection Cultural food preferences are lower risk
Thorough cooking Live bird markets uncommon in U.S.
Birds are slaughtered on-the-spot Indiana has banned traditional markets
What If I Find A Dead Bird?
Don’t worry!
Birds Die for Lots of Reasons
Natural deaths Predators, severe weather, short life span
Accidents Impacts with power lines, aircraft, buildings
Toxicants Legal & illegal pest control methods Spoiled grain and dirty bird feeders Environmental contamination
Birds Die for Lots of Reasons
Diseases Most do not have human health affects!
West Nile virus Blue jays, robins, crows, cardinals, raptors
Call your LOCAL health department Avian influenza
Migratory geese, ducks, swans, shorebirds Call Wildlife Conflicts Hotline 800-893-4116
Tips for Dead Wild Birds
Do not handle it Treat it like dog poop! Wear disposable gloves or place a plastic
bag over your hand to pick it up Place it in a plastic bag Wash your hands afterward
Dispose of it in your garbage