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Avian Flu – What Should You Know?
Growing media attention concerning avian influenza in Asia and Europe has many people wanting to learn more. The Ohio Division of Wildlife compiled the following facts about wild birds and avian influenza.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A Virus H5N1 (HPAI H5N1)
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) is associated with birds. “Bird flu” is a nonscientific term that has also been used to refer to the HPAI H5N1 outbreak in Asia. Prior to 2002, when HPAI H5N1 was linked to wild bird deaths in Asia, there had been only one other case known involving the death of common terns in South Africa in 1961. However, low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (infections that do not cause illness) are common in wild birds around the world. While wild birds can be infected with low pathogenic avian influenza worldwide, only HPAI H5N1, which caused the mortality in Europe and Asia, is of concern. To date, HPAI H5N1 has not been detected in humans, poultry, or wild birds in the United States. Federal and state agencies as well as universities are actively monitoring for the possible introduction of the virus into the United States.
During late 2003 and early 2004, outbreaks of influenza HPAI H5N1 occurred among poultry in eight countries in Asia (Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam). At that time, more than 100 million domestic birds in the affected countries either died from the disease or were killed in an attempt to control the outbreak. By March 2004, the outbreak was reported to be under control. Beginning in late June 2004, however, new outbreaks of HPAI H5N1 among poultry were reported by countries in Asia (Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam). It is believed that these outbreaks are ongoing. Most recently, HPAI H5N1 has been reported among poultry in Turkey and Romania. Human infections of the HPAI H5N1 influenza have been reported in Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Almost all of the human cases have been linked to direct contact with infected poultry. There has never been a documented case of avian influenza virus transmission directly from wild birds to people.
While HPAI H5N1 is not yet found in the United States, routine personal hygienic precautions should be taken when around domestic and wild birds. Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water (or with alcohol-based hand products, if the hands are not visibly soiled) is a very effective method for inactivating any influenza virus, including HPAI H5N1. These viruses are also inactivated with many common disinfectants such as detergents, 10% household bleach, rubbing alcohol, and other commercial disinfectants.
Hunters should follow routine precautions when handling waterfowl and game birds:
- Do not handle or eat sick game.
- Wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling and cleaning game, wash hands as described above, and thoroughly clean knives, equipment and surfaces that come in contact with game. Launder hunting clothes and clean off hunting boots with a detergent.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals.
- All game should be thoroughly cooked (“well done” or 160 degrees Fahrenheit).
The public should, as a general rule, observe wildlife, including wild birds, from a distance. Exercising caution protects against possible exposure to pathogens (microorganisms or viruses) that cause disease and minimizes disturbance to the wildlife.
- Avoid touching wildlife. If there is contact with wildlife do not rub eyes, eat, drink, or smoke before washing hands with soap and water as described above.
- Do not pick up diseased or dead wildlife.
In general, wild or domestic birds with any of the avian influenza virus types may exhibit one or more of the following signs:
- Sudden death without clinical signs
- Lack of energy and appetite
- Decreased egg production
- Soft–shelled or misshapen eggs
- Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
- Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing, sneezing
- Lack of coordination
- Diarrhea
More information on highly pathogenic avian influenza is available online:
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