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CDC - Avian Influenza Current Situation - Protective Actions You Can Take - March 6, 2015

sharon sanders

sharon sanders

Editor-in-Chief & President
Avian Influenza Current Situation




Language: English
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Situation by Type and Location
Around birds
  • As a general precaution, people should avoid wild birds and observe them only from a distance
  • Avoid contact with domestic birds (poultry) that appear ill or have died
  • Avoid contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from wild or domestic birds
What to do if you find a dead bird
State and local agencies have different policies for collecting and testing birds, so check with your state health department, state veterinary diagnostic laboratory, or state wildlife agency for information about reporting dead birds in your area. Wildlife agencies routinely investigate sick or dead bird events if large numbers are impacted. This type of reporting could help with the early detection of illnesses like West Nile virus or avian influenza. If local authorities tell you to simply dispose of the bird?s carcass (body), don?t handle it with your bare hands. Use gloves or an inverted plastic bag to place the carcass in a garbage bag, which can then be disposed of in your regular trash.
To report unusual signs in birds you have seen in the wild, call 1-866-4-USDA-WS (1-866-4-8732-97).
Preparing food
  • The U.S. poultry industry maintains rigorous health and safety standards, including routine monitoring for avian influenza.
  • It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry in the United States.
  • However, consumers are reminded to handle raw poultry hygienically and cook all poultry and poultry products (including eggs) thoroughly before eating.
  • Raw poultry can be associated with many infections, including salmonella.
  • While there is no evidence that any human cases of avian influenza have ever been acquired by eating properly cooked poultry products, uncooked poultry and poultry products (like blood) have been linked to human infections with organisms other than influenza. Proper cooking kills influenza viruses. Visit the USDA food safety website at USDA - Food Safety Education for instructions on handling poultry safely.
Traveling to other countries
  • Currently, CDC does not recommend any travel restrictions to any of the countries affected by avian influenza viruses in poultry or people.
  • CDC does recommend that travelers to countries with avian influenza A outbreaks in poultry or people observe the following:
    • Avoid visiting poultry farms, bird markets and other places where live poultry are raised, kept, or sold.
    • Avoid preparing or eating raw or undercooked poultry products.
    • Practice hygiene and cleanliness.
    • See a doctor if you become sick during or after travel.
  • See CDC Travelers? Health for more information on avian influenza.
If you've had direct contact with infected birds
  • People who have had direct contact with infected bird(s) should be watched to see if they become ill. They may be given influenza antiviral drugs to prevent illness.
  • While antiviral drugs are most often used to treat flu, they also can be used to prevent infection in someone who has been exposed to influenza viruses. When used to prevent seasonal influenza antiviral drugs are 70% to 90% effective.
  • Close contacts (family members, etc.) of people who have been exposed to avian influenza viruses are being asked to monitor their health and report any flu-like symptoms.
If you?re a clinician, laboratorian or public health worker

See Avian Influenza: Information for Health Professionals and Laboratorians for the latest guidance.







Footnotes

*Avian influenza A viruses are designated as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) based on molecular characteristics of the virus and the ability of the virus to cause disease and mortality in birds.













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http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm
 
from above


"As a general precaution, people should avoid wild birds and observe them only from a distance"


CDC - March 6, 2015
 
H5 Viruses in the United States

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 infections have been reported in U.S. domestic poultry (backyard and commercial flocks), captive wild birds, and wild birds. HPAI H5 detections began in December 2014 and have continued into March 2015.

No human infections with these viruses have been detected at this time, however similar viruses have infected people in other countries and caused serious illness and death in some cases. While the public health risk posed by these domestic HPAI outbreaks is considered low at this time, it is possible that human infections with these viruses may occur.

Most human infections with avian influenza viruses have occurred after close and prolonged contact with infected birds or the excretions/secretions of infected birds (e.g., droppings, oral fluids). CDC has posted guidance for clinicians and public health professionals, and is working with state health departments and animal health colleagues to minimize public health risk.
CDC Recommends

As a general precaution, people should avoid wild birds and observe them only from a distance; avoid contact with domestic birds (poultry) that appear ill or have died; and avoid contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from wild or domestic birds.

People who have had contact with infected bird(s) should monitor their own health for possible symptoms (for example, conjunctivitis, or flu-like symptoms).

People who have had contact with infected birds may also be given influenza antiviral drugs preventatively.

Health care providers evaluating patients with possible HPAI H5 infection should notify their local or state health departments which in turn should notify CDC. CDC is providing case-by-case guidance at this time.

There is no evidence that any human cases of avian influenza have ever been acquired by eating properly cooked poultry products.

CDC will update the public as new information becomes available.

Page last reviewed: March 20, 2015
Page last updated: March 23, 2015
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h5/index.htm
 
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