bird flu
, also known as avian influenza, is a type A
influenza virus
It is lethal to poultry and is potentially fatal in humans. Bird flu spreads between both wild and domesticated birds. It has also been passed from birds to humans who are in close contact with poultry or other birds.
Can humans get bird flu?
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.
Is there a bird flu outbreak in 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.
What is bird flu in humans?
Overview. Bird flu is caused by a type of influenza virus that rarely infects humans More than a dozen types of bird flu have been identified, including the two strains that have most recently infected humans, H5N1 and H7N9. When bird flu does strike humans, it can be deadly.
Can bird flu be cured?
You can treat symptoms of bird flu the same way you would treat seasonal flu symptoms This includes: Taking any antiviral medication as prescribed.
Is H5N1 a coronavirus?
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.
What kills avian flu virus?
The proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an
internal temperature
of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses, including H5N1 bird flu viruses.
What are the signs of bird flu?
Symptoms of bird flu a very high temperature or feeling hot or shivery aching muscles. headache. a cough or shortness of breath.
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 we put out bird feeders yet?
There is currently very
low risk
of an outbreak among wild songbirds, and no official recommendation to take down feeders unless you also keep domestic poultry , according to the National Wildlife Disease Program.
Which states are affected by bird flu?
Officials also confirmed new poultry outbreaks in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Montana , as well as more positive tests in wild birds. And the World Health Organization (WHO) provided updates on human avian flu cases in Colorado and China.
Can birds survive avian flu?
Chickens and turkeys are most severely affected by bird flu and generally will die if infected. Waterfowl may survive the disease but then are able to spread the virus Other animals may also get the flu.
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.
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.
Is the bird flu still around?
There are currently no human cases of this avian flu in the United States , but it could still have an impact.
How long does avian influenza virus last?
The virus can live for up to one month inside a poultry house at 40 ºF. AI virus has also been found to survive in lakes (where waterfowl usually congregate) for over 30 days at freezing temperatures.
Which influenza A or B is worse?
Type A influenza is generally considered worse than type B influenza This is because the symptoms are often more severe in type A influenza than in type B influenza. Type A influenza is more common than type B influenza. Researchers suggest that most adults have considerable immunity against type B influenza.
Can you get bird flu by eating chicken?
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.
Is bird poop toxic to humans?
Breathing dust or water droplets containing contaminated bird droppings can lead to several diseases, including a flu-like illness called psittacosis Salmonella – a bacterial infection that can cause diarrhoea – may also be present in some bird droppings.
Is bird flu contagious to dogs?
Yes, bird flu could potentially infect dogs or cats , but experts say the risk is extremely low. Experts confirm H5N1 infection in dogs and cats is extremely rare and has not been reported in the United States.
Can eggs carry bird flu?
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.
Do hummingbirds carry bird flu?
Hall says her caution over feeders extends to hummingbird feeders, because like all birds, hummingbirds may contract this virus But she notes that very little is known in general about the incidence of HPAI in songbirds and hummingbirds.
Can dogs get avian flu 2022?
Can dogs get the bird flu? While dogs can get the bird flu, they most likely won’t There have been reported cases of dogs being infected with the flu in Thailand in 2006 since it can be spread through an infected animal’s saliva, feces, and mucus. However, this situation is rare.
Can I let my chickens out yet UK 2022?
The mandatory housing measures which were in place across the UK since 29 November 2021 were lifted on Monday 2 May 2022. Poultry and other captive birds no longer need to be housed, unless they are in a Protection Zone Read more about this: Avian influenza housing measures lifted on 2 May.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-humans.htm
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-wild-birds
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/bird-flu-avian-influenza
https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/animals/diseases/avian/avian-influenza
https://www.acvp.org/page/Bird_Flu_Factsheet