Explained: What Are The Risks Of Bird Flu To Humans, Animals?

Avian flu has reached new corners of the globe and become endemic for the first time in some wild birds that transmit the virus to poultry, according to veterinarians and disease experts, who warn it is now a year-round problem.

At least 60 countries have killed poultry in response to bird flu outbreaks since October 2021, according to data the Paris-based World Organisation for Animal Health provided to Reuters. The intergovernmental group has said that the countries affected are India, Taiwan, Nepal, Peru, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Niger.

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What is Avian flu?

Avian flu is a viral disease that can be very contagious and even deadly in poultry (e.g., chickens, turkeys, and ducks). Of great concern are the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses (e.g., H5N1, H7N9) that have killed millions of birds and infected humans in other countries. If avian flu viruses are detected in the U.S., take appropriate precautions. If birds or other animals (e.g., cats, civets, ferrets, pigs and dogs) are suspected of being avian flu-infected, immediately notify state animal health officials.

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Risk to humans

H5N1 is the most common form of bird flu, and it can easily affect humans who come in contact with a carrier. According to the World Health Organization Trusted Source, H5N1 was first discovered in humans in 1997 and has killed nearly 60 per cent of those infected.

Currently, the virus isn¡¯t known to spread via human-to-human contact. But, some experts worry that H5N1 may pose a risk of becoming a pandemic threat to humans.

Symptoms

You may have an H5N1 infection if you experience typical flu-like symptoms such as cough, diarrhoea, respiratory difficulties, fever (over 100.4¡ãF or 38¡ãC), headache, muscle aches, malaise, runny nose and sore throat.

If you¡¯re exposed to bird flu, you should notify staff before you arrive at the doctor¡¯s office or hospital. Alerting them ahead of time will allow them to take precautions to protect staff and other patients before caring for you.

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Causes

Although there are several types of bird flu, H5N1 was the first avian influenza virus to infect humans. The first infection occurred in Hong Kong in 1997, and the outbreak was linked to handling contaminated poultry. H5N1 occurs naturally in wild waterfowl but can spread easily to domestic poultry.

The disease is transmitted to humans through contact with infected bird feces, nasal secretions, or secretions from the mouth or eyes.

Consuming adequately cooked poultry or eggs from infected birds doesn¡¯t transmit the bird flu, but eggs should never be served runny. Meat is considered safe if cooked to an internal temperature of 165?F (73.9?C).

Who is at maximum risk?

H5N1 can survive for extended periods. Birds infected with H5N1 continue to release the virus in feces and saliva for as long as 10 days. Touching contaminated surfaces can spread the infection.

You may have a greater risk of contracting H5N1 if you are: a poultry farmer, a traveller visiting affected areas, exposed to infected birds, someone who eats undercooked poultry or eggs, a healthcare worker caring for infected patients and a household member of an infected person.

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Preventive measures

Your doctor may recommend you get a flu shot so that you don¡¯t also get a human strain of influenza. If you develop both the avian flu and human flu simultaneously, it could create a new and possibly deadly form of the flu. The CDC has issued no recommendations against travelling to countries that are affected by H5N1. However, you can minimize your risk by avoiding: open-air markets, contact with infected birds and undercooked poultry. Be sure to practice good hygiene and wash your hands regularly.

Risk to animals

Experts said that wild birds, including waterfowl like ducks, can carry bird flu viruses without appearing sick and easily spread them to domesticated poultry like chickens and turkeys.

Mammals, including bears, seals, foxes and skunks, have been infected with H5N1 avian flu, authorities said.

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Further, bird flu viruses have in the past been known to sometimes infect mammals that eat (presumably infected) birds or poultry, including but not limited to wild animals such as foxes and skunks; stray or domestic animals such as cats and dogs; and zoo animals such as tigers and leopards.

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