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