Avian Influenza

The threat of Avian Influenza within the UK has subsided somewhat. The media, as always blew the entire problem out of proportion, frightening the world.

Here is some facts surrounding the H5N1 Virus.

Avian Influenza – Update 29 December 2006
Background
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) is an infectious disease of birds, caused by type A
strains of the influenza virus. In poultry, avian influenza viruses may cause
two distinctly different forms of disease – one common and mild, the other
rare and highly lethal.
In the mild form, signs of illness may be seen only as ruffled feathers, reduced
egg production, or mild effects on the respiratory system. In contrast, the
second highly pathogenic form is difficult to miss. First identified in Italy in
1878, highly pathogenic avian influenza is characterised by sudden onset of
severe disease in affected birds/flocks, rapid contagion, and a mortality rate
that can approach 100% within 48 hours.
Outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H5N1 type of avian influenza (currently
known as ‘Bird Flu’) have been occurring since December 2003. These
outbreaks of H5N1 Bird Flu began in south-east Asia in mid-2003, and have
now spread to parts of Europe. They are the largest and most severe
outbreaks on record.
During 2005, an additional and significant source of international spread of
H5N1 virus in birds became apparent for the first time. Scientists are
increasingly convinced that at least some migratory waterfowl are now
carrying the H5N1 virus in its highly pathogenic form, sometimes over long
distances, and introducing the virus to poultry flocks in areas that lie along
migratory routes.
Situation in Asia
Outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) have been
reported throughout South-East Asia since December 2003. Countries in Asia
which have had outbreaks of this strain of avian influenza in poultry include
the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, the Lao
People’s Democratic Republic, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Russia and
Kazakhstan.
Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Malaysia have announced control of their
poultry outbreaks and are now considered free of the disease. In the other
affected areas, outbreaks are continuing with varying degrees of severity.
Situation outside Asia
In late July 2005, highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus was confirmed
to have spread geographically beyond its origin in Asia. Currently there is
evidence of rapid geographical spread of the H5N1 virus infection in both wild
and domestic birds.
Cases have been reported in many European and African countries. Two
instances have been reported in the United Kingdom: -
During October 2005, 53 finches imported from Taiwan infected with H5N1,
died whilst in quarantine in Essex. There is no evidence of transmission to
other species in the facility, and as none of the birds were released, the UK’s
disease free status remains in place.
On 7 April 2006 H5N1 infection was confirmed in a wild swan found in Fyfe,
Scotland. Authorities in Scotland placed a 3 km protection zone and a 10km
surveillance zone around the site where the bird was found.
Human Infection with Avian H5N1 Influenza Virus (Bird Flu)
The spread of H5N1 to poultry in new areas is of concern as it increases
opportunities for further human cases to occur. However, all evidence to date
indicates that the H5N1 virus does not spread easily from birds to infect
humans. There is very limited evidence of human-to-human
transmission among any reported cases in Asia.
To date there have been 258 cases of human H5N1 infection, with a total of
154 deaths, reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Cases of
human H5N1 infection and deaths have been confirmed in Vietnam (93
cases, 42 deaths), Indonesia (74 cases, 57 deaths), Thailand (25 cases, 17
deaths), China (21 cases, 14 deaths), Egypt (15 cases, 7 deaths), Turkey (12
cases, 4 deaths), Azerbaijan (8 cases, 5 deaths), Cambodia (6 cases, 6
deaths), Iraq (3 cases, 2 deaths), Djibouti (1 cases, 0 deaths). The majority of
cases are thought to have had direct contact with infected poultry.
WHO level of human pandemic alert remains unchanged at phase 3: a virus
new to humans is causing infections, but does not spread easily from one
person to another.
Travel Advice
The World Health Organisation (WHO) does not currently recommend any
restrictions on travel to areas experiencing outbreaks of highly pathogenic
H5N1 avian influenza in birds, including countries which have reported
associated cases of human H5N1 infection. Although there is no restriction on
travel to any of the areas where avian flu is being reported, travellers are
advised to avoid contact with high-risk environments in affected countries.
WHO continues to recommend that travellers to H5N1 affected areas should
avoid contact with live animal markets and poultry farms, and any free-range
or caged poultry. Large amounts of the virus are known to be excreted in the
droppings from infected birds. Populations in affected countries are advised to
avoid contact with dead migratory birds or wild birds showing signs of
disease.
Direct contact with infected poultry, or surfaces and objects contaminated by
their droppings, is considered the main route of human infection. Exposure
risk is considered highest during slaughter, de-feathering, butchering, and
preparation of poultry for cooking. There is no evidence that properly cooked
poultry or poultry products can be a source of infection.
In Northern Ireland, DHSSPS (the Department of Health, Social Services and
Public Safety), DARD (the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development)
and HM Revenue and Customs have produced a leaflet and poster giving
advice to people who may be travelling to, or returning from, areas/ countries
affected by H5N1 infection. Please consult these information resources for
further information.
Latest advice relating to travel to or from countries affected by H5N1 can also
be accessed through the website of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth
Office www.fco.gov.uk and the website of the National Travel Health Network
www.nathnac.org.
Additional sources of information
Additional information relating to all aspects of highly pathogenic avian
influenza (H5N1) infection can be accessed through the following websites:
DARD Avian Flu Information Link
http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/animal-health/animal-disease-control-andprevention/
avian-influenza.htm
DEFRA Avian Flu Information Link
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/index.htm
Health Protection Agency
http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/influenza/avian/default.htm
Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (NI)
http://www.cdscni.org.uk/
World Health Organisation
http://www.who.int/topics/en/