?What is the "bird flu"
Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu)
viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds
worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not
get sick from them. However, bird flu is very contagious among birds
and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and
turkeys, very sick and kill them Wild waterfowl can also be
responsible for the primary introduction of infection into domestic
poultry.
?How is avian influenza spread
Certain birds act as hosts of influenza viruses. Infected birds shed
virus in saliva, nasal secretions and feces. Avian influenza viruses
spread to susceptible birds when they have contact with contaminated
nasal, respiratory and fecal material from infected birds.
?Can the avian influenza be spread to humans from infected birds
In rare instances, people can contract avian influenza. The exact
mode of transmission from birds to people is not known, but it is
obvious that it has mutated and developed the ability to pass from
birds to human but most human cases of avian flu have been traced to
direct contact with live infected birds or their dropping.
?Is it possible to get the bird flu from eating chicken or eggs
No -- if the meat is fully cooked. Cooking kills flu viruses in
poultry, meat, and eggs. The bird flu virus can survive on raw meat
from infected poultry. It is also unsafe to eat undercooked poultry
or consume raw eggs. or lightly cooked egg products (such as runny
eggs).
Proper hygiene -- hand washing and the disinfecting of all surfaces
that come in contact with the meat -- is essential. It is also
recommended to avoid unnecessary contact with live poultry. This
includes markets where live birds are sold, as it is possible for
the avian influenza virus to stick to hair and clothing, and it may
also be inhaled
?Is it possible for this form of influenza to spread from person to person
At this time, there is no evidence that the current strain of avian
influenza in Asia is spread directly from person to person. However,
it is possible that the virus could change so that it could spread
easily from person to person. If a person, who is sick with human
influenza, was exposed to avian influenza, there is a possibility
that the avian influenza virus could acquire human influenza genes.
This "mixing" could result in the creation of a new subtype of the
influenza virus.
Because these viruses do not commonly infect humans, there is little
or no immune protection against them in the human population. If an
avian virus were able to infect people and gain the ability to
spread easily from person to person, an “influenza pandemic” could
begin. There is currently no evidence that this is happening
?What are the signs and symptoms of avian influenza
The symptoms of avian influenza in humans range from typical
influenza-like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat and muscle
aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress,
viral pneumonia, and other severe and life-threatening
complications.
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