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What is Avian Influenza (bird flu)?
Avian influenza is a virus that is found naturally in poultry. There are many strains of avian influenza that cause varying degrees of illness. Avian influenza infects chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks and geese as well as other birds. The current strain of avian influenza that is circulating in Asia, Africa and Europe is H5N1. This strain may or may not cause a pandemic, worldwide outbreak of disease, if human to human transmission occurs. Currently the cases of avian flu that have occurred in humans are from direct contact with birds including droppings and bodily fluids.
What is being done to monitor avian influenza?
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is monitoring migratory fowl, shorebirds and poultry for the presence of H5N1. Given the migratory patterns of wild fowl, H5N1 is likely to enter the United States within the next 6 months.
Is it safe to eat poultry and eggs?
Eating poultry and eggs is safe if it is properly cooked to 165�F or above. The U.S. has banned imports of poultry from countries affected by H5N1. Currently H5N1 is not in the U.S. The flu virus, as well as other food borne organisms, can be destroyed by cooking to proper temperatures.
The neighbors raise chickens, am I safe?
This does not pose a risk because H5N1 is currently not in the U.S. In the event that it does enter the U.S., transmission has only occurred through direct handling or close contact with droppings and bodily fluids.
Is the bird feeder and bird bath in the backyard safe?
Bird baths and feeders are generally considered safe if they are kept clean. However, precautions should be taken to avoid contact with bird droppings and contaminated water in the baths. Gloves should be worn and items should be cleaned with warm soapy water. Always wash hands with soap and water after maintaining feeders and baths.
I have a pet bird, is it safe?
If you already own a pet bird, it is unlikely to be infected unless it is exposed to migratory or wild birds. Keep pet birds inside. If you are considering getting a pet bird, ensure it is imported legally. It is illegal to import birds from regions that have avian flu. Smuggled birds could be infected. Information on embargoes on bird importation can be found at www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/outbreaks/embargo.htm.
Can avian flu infect my dog or cat?
Various forms of flu can infect dogs and cats. Avian flu is not known to infect dogs; however, it has infected domestic cats, ferrets and pigs. It is believed that cats have become infected after handling and eating diseased birds. Cats may be able to transfer the virus to other cats but there is no evidence that they can transfer it to humans.
What precautions should hunters take?
Hunters should follow routine precautions when handling wild game, including birds, for avian influenza as well as other diseases:
� Do not handle or eat sick game
� Wear rubber or latex disposable gloves when handling or cleaning game
� Wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol based hand sanitizer if hands are not visibly soiled
� Thoroughly wash knives, equipment and surfaces with warm water and soap
� Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals
� Cook all game thoroughly
What should I do if I find a sick/dead bird?
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) will still be monitoring small migratory birds for West Nile virus (link to West Nile page) through the summer months. Surveillance will also be conducted by USDA, ODA, and ODNR for avian influenza. Testing will be concentrated on wild migratory birds and poultry. To report a deceased or sick wild migratory bird (duck, goose, swan, etc.) contact the ODNR district office at 937-372-9261 or the main office at 1-800-945-3543. Owners may report sick or dead farm birds (chickens, turkeys, etc.) by calling ODA at 1-800-282-1955.
Dead birds may be disposed of by double bagging and placing in the trash. Use gloves or pick bird up with a plastic bag to avoid direct contact. Wash hands with soap and water after discarding.
Additional Resources:
Ohio Pandemic Flu
World Health Organization Avian Influenza Fact Sheet
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
USGS National Wildlife Health Center
American Veterinary Medical Association
Download USDA Avian Influenza Pamphlet PDF