bird flu booklet release now available,it answer most frequent asked questions.
March 21, 2006 (Press Release) --
Q: How do people catch bird flu?
Cases so far have generally involved people who were in close contact with infected poultry. There are a few suspected cases of human-to-human transmission but only after prolonged face-to-face contact. So far, at least, it seems bird flu cannot spread easily from person to person.
Q Can you catch it from eating chicken?
The virus cannot survive at high temperatures so properly cooked meat should present no risk. However, the virus can survive on raw meat that has been in contact with infected poultry. Proper hygiene -- hand washing and the disinfecting of all surfaces that come in contact with the meat -- is essential
Q What are the symptoms?
The early symptoms are much the same as conventional flu – fever and coughing.
Q: Is there a vaccine?
A: Not yet, though scientists are working on one. However, if a new strain developed, by mixing with human flu, a new vaccine would have to be developed. There are, however, some drugs that can be used to prevent and treat the flu – notably Tamiflu. However, supplies could run out.
Q What can you do if you think you've got it?
If you have visited a country that is at risk to bird flu and have been in contact with live poultry or pigs, or places that has housed and have developed flu symptoms within seven days of this contact you should contact your local GP
Spread of Avian Influenza Viruses among Birds
Avian influenza viruses circulate among birds worldwide. Certain birds, particularly water birds, act as hosts for influenza viruses by carrying the virus in their intestines and shedding it. Infected birds shed virus in saliva, nasal secretions, and feaces. Susceptible birds can become infected with avian influenza virus when they have contact with contaminated nasal, respiratory, or fecal material from infected birds. Fecal-to-oral transmission is the most common mode of spread between birds.
Avian influenza outbreaks among poultry occur worldwide from time to time. Since 1997, for example, more than 16 outbreaks of H5 and H7 influenza have occurred among poultry in the United States . The U.S. Department of Agriculture monitors these outbreaks.
Low pathogenic forms of avian influenza viruses are responsible for most avian influenza outbreaks in poultry. Such outbreaks usually result in either no illness or mild illness (e.g., chickens producing fewer or no eggs), or low levels of mortality.
When highly pathogenic influenza H5 or H7 viruses cause outbreaks, between 90% and 100% of poultry can die from infection. Animal health officials carefully monitor avian influenza outbreaks in domestic birds for several reasons:
the potential for low pathogenic H5 and H7 viruses to evolve into highly pathogenic forms
the potential for rapid spread and significant illness and death among poultry during outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza
the economic impact and trade restrictions from a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak.
the possibility that avian influenza could be transmitted to humans .
A full reportBooklet is available for only £6 by contacting the publisher by Tel:02084271724 or Fax: 08709127904.
Cases so far have generally involved people who were in close contact with infected poultry. There are a few suspected cases of human-to-human transmission but only after prolonged face-to-face contact. So far, at least, it seems bird flu cannot spread easily from person to person.
Q Can you catch it from eating chicken?
The virus cannot survive at high temperatures so properly cooked meat should present no risk. However, the virus can survive on raw meat that has been in contact with infected poultry. Proper hygiene -- hand washing and the disinfecting of all surfaces that come in contact with the meat -- is essential
Q What are the symptoms?
The early symptoms are much the same as conventional flu – fever and coughing.
Q: Is there a vaccine?
A: Not yet, though scientists are working on one. However, if a new strain developed, by mixing with human flu, a new vaccine would have to be developed. There are, however, some drugs that can be used to prevent and treat the flu – notably Tamiflu. However, supplies could run out.
Q What can you do if you think you've got it?
If you have visited a country that is at risk to bird flu and have been in contact with live poultry or pigs, or places that has housed and have developed flu symptoms within seven days of this contact you should contact your local GP
Spread of Avian Influenza Viruses among Birds
Avian influenza viruses circulate among birds worldwide. Certain birds, particularly water birds, act as hosts for influenza viruses by carrying the virus in their intestines and shedding it. Infected birds shed virus in saliva, nasal secretions, and feaces. Susceptible birds can become infected with avian influenza virus when they have contact with contaminated nasal, respiratory, or fecal material from infected birds. Fecal-to-oral transmission is the most common mode of spread between birds.
Avian influenza outbreaks among poultry occur worldwide from time to time. Since 1997, for example, more than 16 outbreaks of H5 and H7 influenza have occurred among poultry in the United States . The U.S. Department of Agriculture monitors these outbreaks.
Low pathogenic forms of avian influenza viruses are responsible for most avian influenza outbreaks in poultry. Such outbreaks usually result in either no illness or mild illness (e.g., chickens producing fewer or no eggs), or low levels of mortality.
When highly pathogenic influenza H5 or H7 viruses cause outbreaks, between 90% and 100% of poultry can die from infection. Animal health officials carefully monitor avian influenza outbreaks in domestic birds for several reasons:
the potential for low pathogenic H5 and H7 viruses to evolve into highly pathogenic forms
the potential for rapid spread and significant illness and death among poultry during outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza
the economic impact and trade restrictions from a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak.
the possibility that avian influenza could be transmitted to humans .
A full reportBooklet is available for only £6 by contacting the publisher by Tel:02084271724 or Fax: 08709127904.
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