Although avian (bird) influenza (flu) A viruses usually do not infect people, there have been some rare cases of
human infection
with these viruses Illness in humans from bird flu virus infections have ranged in severity from no symptoms or mild illness to severe disease that resulted in death.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
- Cough.
- Fever.
- Sore throat.
- Muscle aches.
- Headache.
- Shortness of breath.
What happens if bird flu spreads to humans?
Bird flu in humans can cause a range of serious and potentially fatal complications, including: eye infections pneumonia, including viral pneumonia acute respiratory distress.
Can humans catch bird flu from chickens?
No human bird flu infections have been reported from proper handling of
poultry meat
or from eating properly cooked poultry or
poultry products outbreaks
of bird flu happen among birds from time to time.
Can bird flu be cured?
It’s impossible to eliminate bird flu from wild birds The best approaches to bird flu currently include working to identify and eliminate outbreaks among domestic birds and to continue work on a vaccine that will be effective against bird flu.
Can you eat eggs from chickens with avian flu?
All poultry products for public consumption are inspected for signs of disease both before and after slaughter. The “inspected for wholesomeness by the U.S. Department of Agriculture” seal ensures the poultry is free from visible signs of disease. prepared and cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat.
Can I get bird flu from eggs?
It is not a blood-borne pathogen; therefore, handling eggs poses a low risk for infection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administrations says that there is no evidence that anyone has been infected with the avian flu by eating properly cooked eggs Cooking eggs to 160°F (71°C) will kill the avian flu virus.
Is there a vaccine for bird flu?
While avian flu vaccines are currently available , they are not being used on a large scale on poultry farms because this hinders the ability to conduct surveillance testing, which helps detect the virus in
unvaccinated flocks
and limit the spread of the disease.
Should we worry about bird flu?
Reports of a human infection with H3N8 bird flu in China and now the US 1 are reminders that avian influenza remains an ongoing threat We spoke to Professor Ian Barr and Dr Michelle Wille about the current level of risk it poses, and what can be done to mitigate it.
What is the death rate of bird flu?
An especially notorious strain is the HPAI influenza virus H5N1, which has a mortality rate of approximately 60% and which has resulted in numerous hospitalizations, deaths, and significant economic loss.
Can birds cause respiratory problems in humans?
General Discussion. Psittacosis is an uncommon infectious disease that is most often transmitted to humans through exposure to infected birds , especially parrots, cockatiels, parakeets and similar pet birds. Psittacosis can affect the lungs and may cause inflammatory illness of the lungs (pneumonia).
Is avian flu a coronavirus?
Abstract. Avian influenza A (H5N1) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus are infections that cause a severe viral pneumonia leading to acute respiratory dysfunction syndrome and carry a high case-fatality rate.
How do you know if a bird has bird flu?
Signs of Avian Flu Illness in Birds Sudden death; lack of energy, appetite and coordination; purple discoloration and/or swelling of various body parts; diarrhea; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; and reduced egg production and/or abnormal eggs.
Can pigeons spread bird flu?
Quick facts. Pigeons are quite resistant to infection of avian influenza virus (AIV) Pigeons can be potential hosts of AIV, as shown by research.
How long does it take for the flu virus to go away?
Flu symptoms, including fever, should go away after about 5 days, but you may still have a cough and feel weak a few days longer. All your symptoms should be gone within 1 to 2 weeks.
How is bird flu prevented?
Do not visit poultry farms, bird markets and other places where live poultry are raised, kept, or sold, if possible Do not eat raw or undercooked poultry products and wash your hands after touching uncooked poultry. Practice good hygiene and cleanliness. Visit a doctor if you become sick during or after travel.
What is the incubation period for bird flu?
The incubation period is variable ( 1-7 days ), and dependent upon the AI virus strain, dose, route of exposure, and species of bird. The OIE recognizes a 14-day incubation period at the flock level for high pathogenicity avian influenza for virus spread in a bird population.
What kind of birds carry bird flu?
Waterfowl, such as swans, ducks, and geese , are the type of birds that are most likely to be infected with avian influenza. Although wild backyard birds and pigeons are unlikely to get infected with avian influenza, it is always best to minimize contact with fecal material.
What happens if you eat a bird with bird flu?
Bird flu virus can be passed through bird droppings and saliva on surfaces such as cages, tractors, and other farm equipment. Most people don’t need to worry about getting sick with bird flu virus. You cannot get bird flu from eating fully cooked chicken, turkey, or duck, because heat kills the virus.
Is bird flu an airborne disease?
Airborne transmission of bird flu from wild birds to poultry is negligible , says new research. New research from Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) has demonstrated that the risk of airborne transmission of the hi-path avian influenza virus from infected wild waterfowl to poultry is negligible.
Should you feed birds during bird flu?
There is no official recommendation to take down feeders unless you also keep domestic poultry , according to the National Wildlife Disease Program. Ken says, “The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and United States Department of Agriculture have both stated that bird feeding is safe.
How do you treat bird flu in humans?
Is There a Treatment for Bird Flu? The flu drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), or zanamivir (Relenza) may help treat bird flu in people , although more studies are needed. These drugs must be given soon after symptoms appear.
Which medicine is best for bird flu?
Health officials recommend the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or, if oseltamivir can’t be used, zanamivir (Relenza) These drugs must be taken within two days after the appearance of symptoms.
How do I know if my chicken has avian flu?
- respiratory distress, such as gasping and runny nose.
- digestive distress, such as diarrhea.
- stumbling, falling down.
- lack of energy and decreased appetite.
- lower egg production or soft-shelled/misshapen eggs.
- purple discoloration on their wattles, combs and legs.
Does cooking destroy bird flu?
The heat of normal cooking destroys the virus that causes avian influenza Microorganisms of all kinds are destroyed when the product reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is it safe to eat eggs right now?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is safe to eat poultry and eggs when they are properly handled and thoroughly cooked.
What disinfectant kills avian flu?
Chlorine bleach solutions, household ammonia, iodine-containing solutions, and dilute acids are a good way to kill the viruses.
Can dogs catch bird flu?
A: Like cats, dogs are not usually susceptible to avian influenza (AI) viruses ; however, one study found that dogs experimentally infected with Guangdong lineage H5N1 HPAI were susceptible. In this study, all dogs were found to have replicating virus.
Do crows carry bird flu?
Most common songbirds or other birds found in the yard, like cardinals, robins, sparrows, blue jays, crows or pigeons, do not get infected with the bird flu viruses that can be dangerous to poultry or possibly spread to people.
Which states are affected by bird flu?
Federal officials today announced that avian flu has struck flocks in five more states— Massachusetts, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wyoming —expanding outbreak activity westward and to nearly half of US states.
Is bird flu still around 2022?
Learn about 2022 detections of HPAI in Commercial and Backyard Flocks. Wild birds can be infected with HPAI and show no signs of illness They can carry the disease to new areas when migrating, potentially exposing domestic poultry to the virus.
Can H5N1 infect humans?
Infected birds shed H5N1 viruses in their saliva, mucous and feces. H5N1 virus infections among people are rare ; however, human infections can happen when enough virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth, or is inhaled.
What is the current status of bird flu?
The Current Risk to the General Public is Low Right now, the H5N1 bird flu situation remains primarily an animal health issue. However, CDC is watching this situation closely and taking routine preparedness and prevention measures in case this virus changes to pose a greater human health risk.
Sources
https://www.talktomira.com/post/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-h10-n3-bird-flu-variant
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2279407-first-human-case-of-h10n3-bird-flu-strain-reported-in-china/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bird-flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20368455
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-humans.htm
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/china-reports-first-human-case-h3n8-bird-flu-2022-04-26/