What is avian influenza?

Avian influenza is a rapidly spreading viral disease that mainly infects birds. Migratory birds are natural carriers for the disease and seldom show signs of illness. Poultry are very susceptible to the virus.

Is avian influenza contagious? Who is susceptible? How is it transmitted?

Yes, avian influenza is contagious. It exists naturally in many wild and migratory birds. The disease is transmitted by direct contact with infected birds, aerosol, and contaminated objects, such as footwear, clothing, equipment and vehicles. Although extremely rare, humans and other mammals can be vulnerable to the disease.

Given the spread of H5N1 avian flu around the world, is it safe to eat poultry?

With all the news about avian influenza in Asia, Africa and Europe, consumers quite naturally want to know about the safety of eating poultry. Fortunately, the risk of getting avian influenza from food appears to be very low – even in areas with the H5N1 strain. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), no epidemiological data suggest that the disease can be transmitted to humans through properly cooked food (even if contaminated with the virus prior to cooking). However, in a few instances, cases have been linked to consumption of dishes made of raw contaminated poultry blood.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has a list of food safety steps that can help consumers reduce their risk of becoming ill from improperly cooked or handled food. These steps include:

• Avoiding cross-contamination of plates or utensils during preparation;
• Washing your hands with soap and water immediately after handling raw poultry; and
• Cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165° F (measured with a meat thermometer).

What are the signs of avian influenza?

In birds, signs are primarily respiratory (coughing, sneezing, respiratory distress) as well as decreased egg production, swelling of the head, eyelids, comb and wattles (the flap of skin hanging from the neck of chickens and turkeys), unsteady coordination and sudden death. In humans, symptoms include typical flu-like signs (fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches), eye infection, pneumonia or respiratory distress.

How do I avoid avian influenza or stop it from spreading?

Avoid contact with sick or infected birds. Wash your hands before and after any contact with animals or meat products. When traveling abroad, do not bring any prohibited items back to the U.S. Wash and disinfect any items used while traveling abroad.

If you own birds and suspect your flock has the disease, isolate the affected animals and area immediately, and restrict traffic on and off your farm. Notify your veterinarian of any suspected cases. No effective treatment for the disease has been found. Infected animals must be humanely destroyed and disposed of properly to prevent the disease from spreading.

Although vaccines are available, they are not commonly used because no vaccine covers all 15 strains of the disease. Prevention is the best way to combat avian influenza. Use strict biosecurity measures on your farm. Keep wild birds and infected birds away from your home or farm. Stay informed about the health of neighboring animals. New or returning animals to your home or farm should also be isolated for at least two weeks. Thoroughly disinfect any material entering and leaving the farm such as tires, equipment, and clothing.

How is it treated?

At this time there is no known treatment.

Are there public health risks?

Though extremely rare, humans can contract avian influenza. Most human cases have occurred in people with close contact to infected birds or their environment. If you have had contact with infected birds or are showing symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately. There has been no reported case of avian influenza following consumption of fully-cooked meat.