Articles & Resources

The Facts About Avian Flu
By Melanie Pearson, Director of Animal Care

When I woke up with a sore throat and headache a few days ago, my mind began to wonder which of the new hot diseases I might have succumbed to. West Nile? Ebola? Eastern Equine Encephalitis? No, those are all well past their prime in the news these days. The disease of the day seems to be Avian Influenza. I have received several calls from residents concerned about the wild birds in their neighborhood. Hopefully this FAQ sheet issued by the Connecticut State Department of Environmental Protection will assuage any fears you might have concerning Avian Influenza.

Questions and Answers about Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Q) What is seasonal human flu?
A) Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by human influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Human flu viruses change a little bit every year, which is why people can get sick from the flu more than once. It is also why a new flu vaccine is produced each year because the vaccine must be made to protect against a specific virus.

Q) What is Avian Influenza (bird flu)?
A) Avian influenza (AI) is a virus that causes disease in various types of birds, thus the common name "bird flu". AI viruses can infect chickens, turkeys, pheasant, quail, ducks, geese and guinea fowl as well as a wide variety of other birds, including migratory waterfowl.

Q) What is the Asian H5N1 bird flu?
A) One strain of severe bird flu that has been circulating in Asia for several years and has recently spread to Europe. It is also known as the Asian H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Q) What is a pandemic?

A) Rarely, the influenza virus undergoes a major change that results in a completely new virus. If the new virus causes serious human illness and spreads easily from person to person worldwide, it is called a pandemic.

AVIAN INFLUENZA IN THE UNITED STATES

Q) Is the highly pathogenic avian influenza, Asian H5N1 bird flu present in the United States?
A) No, this type of bird flu has not been found in the United States. Other strains of bird flu are commonly found in wild waterfowl in the United States, but usually affect small numbers of birds and generally do not cause obvious disease. These other types of bird flu are not considered a human health risk. The Asian H5N1 bird flu is now circulating in Asia, Europe and Africa. There is a concern, however, that the Asian H5N1 will be detected in North America in the future. Monitoring of poultry and wild birds for the presence of the Asian H5N1 AI virus in the United States is ongoing. Testing of wild birds in Connecticut will begin in mid-July and testing in poultry is ongoing.

Q) How could the Asian H5N1 AI virus arrive in North America?
A) The Asian H5N1 AI virus could be transported through virus-contaminated articles or by illegally imported birds or bird products. Wild birds could bring the virus into North America during migration. Migratory birds, particularly waterfowl and shorebirds, cross the Bering Sea between Alaska and Asia during seasonal migrations to and from breeding and wintering areas. While in Asia, migratory birds could become infected with H5N1 AI virus and then migrate to North America.

AVIAN INFLUENZA IN CONNECTICUT

Q) Do we have the Asian H5N1 avian influenza in Connecticut?
A) No. The Asian H5N1 strain of bird flu has never been found in Connecticut or anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere.

Q) What is the risk of the Asian H5N1 strain of avian influenza arriving in Connecticut?
A) The risk of the Asian H5N1 bird flu arriving in Connecticut is reduced by federal and state laws restricting bird imports and by the Department of Agriculture surveillance and control procedures. It is illegal to import poultry or poultry products from countries that are affected by this disease. Smuggling birds or bird products into the country does pose some threat and infected travelers from affected countries might accidentally introduce the virus into the United States. There may also be some risk from migrating wild birds.

Q) What will be done to detect the Asian H5N1 AI virus in Connecticut?
A) A monitoring program has been put in place by Federal and state officials. In mid-July, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Wildlife Division will initiate monitoring by sampling both live and dead birds. The monitoring will concentrate on species likely to come into contact with birds from Asia or Europe. This surveillance will assist in the national effort to monitor wild bird populations.

PATHOLOGY OF AVIAN INFLUENZA

Q) What types of wild birds are most commonly affected?
A) Waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans), wading birds (egrets, herons, etc), and shorebirds (terns, gulls, etc) are the species that are most closely associated with any type of avian influenza, including the Asian H5N1 strain. Other birds are not likely carriers of avian influenza.

Q) What is the difference between "low pathogenic" or highly pathogenic" avian influenza?
A) There are over 100 variations of avian influenza, "bird flu," that exist. The designation of low or highly pathogenic avian influenza refers to the potential for these viruses to kill domestic poultry. The designation of "low pathogenic" or "highly pathogenic" does not refer to how infectious the viruses may be to humans. Most strains of avian influenza are not highly pathogenic and cause few signs in infected wild birds. In poultry, however, low pathogenic strains can mutate into a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain that causes extremely contagious, severe disease, and often death, in poultry.

Q) What are the signs of avian influenza in wild birds?
A) Most strains of avian influenza are unapparent in wild birds. There are no definitive signs for birds infected with H5N1 nor are there definitive gross lesions associated with wild birds.

Q) What are the signs of avian influenza in domestic birds?
A) In domestic poultry, infection with avian influenza causes two main forms of disease that are distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence. The "low pathogenic" form may go undetected and usually only causes mild disease. However, the "high pathogenic" form spreads more rapidly through flocks. This form can affect multiple internal organs and results in the death of virtually all infected birds usually within 48 hours.

Q) How is the Asian H5N1 AI virus spread from bird to bird?
A) The Asian H5N1 AI virus can be spread through oral contact with fecal matter, saliva and nasal discharges of infected birds.

Q) How are people getting sick from the Asian H5N1 strain of avian influenza?
A) The Asian H5N1 AI virus is found in the saliva, nasal discharge and feces of infected birds. In countries where this disease is found, families frequently raise birds for their own meals, and ducks and chickens often roam freely and contaminate the neighborhood. Human infections have occurred as a result of these heavily contaminated living areas, and from slaughtering and preparing the birds for food.

Q) How is the Asian H5N1 strain of avian influenza spreading from place to place?
A) Healthy birds become infected from direct contact with sick birds, or contact with areas or objects contaminated by sick birds. Much of the spread in Asia is probably a result of movement of live birds to markets. Wild birds may also have the virus but do not always get sick. If they are infected but not sick, they might be able to spread the virus to new areas when they migrate.

HUMAN EXPOSURE TO AVIAN INFLUENZA

Q) Can I get the Asian H5N1 avian influenza from Canada goose droppings in parks, ballparks, reservoirs and other public places?
A) No. Right now, the Asian H5N1 avian influenza is not present in the United States. If and when it does occur in our country, we hope to have learned more about the role of wild birds in spreading avian influenza to humans. Because many different bacteria, viruses and parasites can be present in bird droppings, it is best to avoid exposure to them at all times. The following precautions should be taken:

• Teach children to always wash their hands after playing outside.
• If you pick up droppings, use a shovel, "pooper scooper," or gloves-never your bare hands.
• If you are worried about exposure during swimming, swim at a regulated beach, where regular tests are conducted to make sure the water is not polluted from human, animal or farm waste.

Q) Are humans at risk to contract the Asian H5N1 from wild birds?
A) There are no documented cases of human H5N1 disease resulting from contact with wild birds. The only documented cases of transmission to humans from birds are from poultry and direct contact with infected birds has been identified as the most likely source of exposure.

Q) Are Canada geese a potential carrier of the Asian H5N1 AI virus?
A) Yes. However, we know that Canada geese are poor carriers of other AI viruses.

Q) Is it safe to swim in areas where geese are congregated?
A) With regards to the Asian H5N1 AI, there is no clear answer at this time. The state will continue to review new information on this issue and if the Asian H5N1 occurs in or near Connecticut, we will provide additional information to the public. Also, be aware that high concentrations of geese can cause elevated coliform bacteria counts resulting in temporary local closures of swimming areas. Always check to be sure the area has not been closed for swimming.

Q) I regularly feed the ducks and geese at the local park. Should I stop doing this? Am I at risk for H5N1 if I continue?
A) Feeding of waterfowl is discouraged, regardless of any concern about the Asian H5N1 AI virus. Feeding concentrates birds and increases the risk of disease transmission. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Wildlife Division continues to discourage the public feeding of waterfowl. Several towns have passed no-feeding ordinances. People who continue to feed waterfowl are not at high risk for the Asian H5N1 AI virus, but should thoroughly wash their hands following these activities.

Q) Should I stop feeding the birds that come to my feeder?
A) No. The Asian H5N1 AI is a disease that primarily affects and is carried by species associated with water. The types of birds that are attracted to backyard feeders are not considered at risk to carry or be affected by the Asian H5N1 AI virus.

POULTRY - EGGS, CHICKS, AND CHICKENS

Q) With the concern over avian influenza, is it safe for my child to take part in projects that involve hatching eggs and raising chicks?
A) Yes. Chickens that get infected with avian influenza become sick and often stop laying eggs so there is little risk of bird flu. However, chicks can carry other diseases such as salmonella. Projects involving hatching eggs and raising chicks should minimize hand contact and require thorough hand washing if contact does occur.

Q) With the concern over avian influenza, is it safe to eat poultry and eggs?
A) Yes. There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or eggs can be a source of infection from avian influenza. Because eating undercooked poultry or eggs can spread other common diseases such as salmonella infection, always cook them thoroughly. Wash your hands with soap and hot water after touching any raw meat. Make sure to clean cutting boards and counters used for food preparation immediately after use to prevent cross contamination with other foods.

Q) Are poultry flocks at risk?
A) The Connecticut Department of Agriculture maintains a surveillance system for avian influenza in poultry. This system includes: inspection and testing of flocks, testing of sick poultry, required reporting by veterinarians and laboratories, and sharing information with neighboring states and the United States Department of Agriculture. Commercial poultry farms follow strict biosecurity procedures to prevent contact between wildlife and poultry and introduction of diseases.

MONITORING AND TESTING OF AVIAN INFLUENZA

Q) What will be done to detect the Asian H5N1 AI virus in Connecticut?
A) A monitoring program has been put in place by Federal and State officials. In mid-July, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Wildlife Division will initiate monitoring by sampling both live and dead birds. The monitoring will concentrate on migratory species likely to come into contact with birds from Asia or Europe. This surveillance will assist in the national effort to monitor wild bird populations.

Q) What types of surveillance will be conducted?
A) There are six major strategies for surveillance:

• Testing wild birds that are sick or have died
• Sample testing of live wild birds
• Sample testing of hunter-killed birds
• Monitoring and testing of sentinel animals
• Testing of environmental samples.
• Testing poultry

We will be sampling live and dead birds along with hunter-killed birds from throughout the state. The birds we target for sampling will be those species that experts have deemed the highest priority to sample due to the species distribution, migratory patterns and potential to carry the disease.

Q) Is the State of Connecticut going to test dead wild birds for avian influenza?
A) Currently, certain wild birds are being tested so that if the Asian H5N1 avian influenza occurs in the United States we will recognize it right away. State and Federal agriculture and wildlife agencies have a list of birds that are of most concern and have begun testing these birds. Most birds do not need to be tested.

Q) What birds are being tested?
A) Waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, are a top priority to be tested. The vast majority of backyard birds-robins, sparrows, pigeons, cardinals, etc. - do not need to be reported or tested. Avian influenza usually involves migratory waterfowl, not backyard songbirds.

HANDLING AND DISPOSING OF DEAD WILD BIRDS

Q) What should I do if I find dead wild birds on my property?
A) At this time the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection is following its normal protocol for dead wild bird testing. That is, birds will be tested if several birds die at the same location at one time or over several days. You can submit information regarding dead wild birds to the state's Wild Bird Mortality Reporting Website at WWW.CT.GOV/CTFLUWATCH. This site will be constantly monitored and if wild birds that you report warrant testing, you will be contacted.

Q) What is the recommended method for disposing dead wild birds that will not be submitted for testing?
A) Avoid direct contact with the bird. Wear gloves or use a shovel to place the bird in a plastic bag. If you do not have gloves, put your hand inside a plastic bag, grab the bird through the bag and pull the bag back over your hand. Tie the bag off, place into another plastic bag and tie that bag off as well. Dead birds can be disposed of by burying or discarding in the trash. Always wash hands thoroughly after disposal.

Q) Why isn't the state interested in testing one or a few dead wild birds?
A) Current knowledge of the effect of the disease on wild birds indicates that outbreaks detected in wild water bird populations will likely involve the death of a large number of these species. Surveillance of dead wild birds as an early detection measure is best accomplished by focusing on significant mortality events in wild birds as opposed to individual birds people may come upon or find on their property.

Q) If the Asian H5N1 AI virus is found in wild birds, will there be an effort to destroy them all?
A) No. The World Health Organization and Animal Health authorities throughout the world do not currently believe that culling wild birds is an effective means to control avian influenza. The best way to curb the spread of the disease is to limit human contact with infected birds.

PETS AND AVIAN INFLUENZA

Q) Can pets get avian influenza?
A) Yes. In some places where the Asian H5N1 avian influenza has occurred, cats and other mammals have become sick and died after eating infected birds. There have been no documented cases of the Asian H5N1 AI virus infecting dogs. Pet owners should see their veterinarians to evaluate any sick animal's condition and to provide treatment.

Q) Can my pets get vaccinated against avian influenza?
A) No.

Q) My pet had contact with a dead wild bird - can my pet be tested?
A) Routine testing of pets for avian influenza is not necessary and currently unavailable. If you have concerns about your pet's health, it is best to contact your veterinarian.

Q) Can my pet give me avian influenza?
A) There have been no confirmed cases of avian influenza transmission between humans and pets.

Q) Can I get avian influenza from my neighbor's birds and animals?
A) No. Avian influenza is primarily a disease among birds and rarely spreads to other animals and humans. The people who became ill with the Asian H5N1 avian influenza had direct contact with infected chickens or domestic ducks. The Asian H5N1 avian influence virus has not been found in the USA or in Connecticut.

HUNTING AND AVIAN INFLUENZA

Q) Are pheasants susceptible to avian influenza?
A) To date, pen-raised or wild pheasants have not been implicated in avian influenza outbreaks in the United States, although they are susceptible and could potentially play a role in disease transmission. Routine disease testing of pheasants has occurred for many years in Connecticut and has never detected avian influenza.

Q) Should pheasant hunters be concerned about birds they harvest this fall?
A) No. Pheasants encountered by hunters are commercially raised in large outdoor flight pens. These facilities are enclosed with netting that typically excludes interaction with migratory waterfowl or other water birds most likely to carry HPAI. Hunters should always use standard precautions (see below) when field dressing and preparing game for consumption.

Q) Will Connecticut continue to stock pheasants on public hunting areas this fall?
A) Yes. There is no reason to discontinue pheasant stocking at this time. All commercial suppliers will be closely monitored as part of the increased avian influenza surveillance program in Connecticut. However, if the Asian H5N1 AI virus were discovered in pen-reared pheasants, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection would stop birds from leaving the facility or facilities where it was discovered.

Q) Should waterfowl or turkey hunters be concerned? What precautions should they take when handling dead ducks and geese?
A) The following suggestions are common sense precautions that hunters should follow when hunting:

1. Do not handle birds that are obviously sick or birds found dead.
2. Keep your game birds cool, clean, and dry.
3. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while cleaning your birds.
4. Use rubber gloves when cleaning game.
5. Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes after dressing birds.
6. Clean all tools and surfaces immediately afterward; use hot soapy water, then disinfect with a 10% chlorine bleach solution.
7. Cook game meat thoroughly (165°F) to kill disease organisms.

Q) Should I be concerned with taking my dog hunting?
A) There have been no documented cases of the Asian H5N1 AI virus infecting dogs. Dog owners should seek veterinary care for any health concerns about their pets

WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS AND AVIAN INFLUENZA

Q) Should wildlife rehabilitators be concerned about wild birds they care for?
A) They should not be overly concerned, however, rehabilitators should continue to use common sense precautions when caring for wild birds, and continue to prescribe to existing safety protocols.

Q) Will wildlife rehabilitators be able to continue handling birds, or will the state ban them from handling birds because of the Asian H5N1 AI concerns?
A) Many wildlife rehabilitators in Connecticut handle large numbers of migratory waterfowl and some shorebirds that may carry HPAI. However, they are trained and well equipped in the standard health precautions to follow when treating birds. Their assistance in helping with increased surveillance and reporting of sick birds will be more useful than restricting them from handling these birds.

INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN

Q) How is Connecticut preparing for influenza in our state?
A) In December of 2005 Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell directed four state agencies to join forces to ensure that Connecticut is fully prepared to meet public health threats from a possible influenza pandemic, including the potential for the Asian H5N1 avian influenza spreading into the region. Governor Rell named Public Health Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin and Emergency Management and Homeland Security Commissioner James M. Thomas to co-chair the state's new influenza response team. The Governor also appointed Agriculture Commissioner F. Philip Prelli and Environmental Protection Commissioner Gina McCarthy to the planning group. Governor Rell requested that the four state agencies develop a comprehensive State Plan for Influenza Preparedness and Response.

Q) How are we preparing for outbreaks of avian influenza or a potential human pandemic?
A) The Connecticut Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture has prevention and preparedness programs in place to deal with any outbreak of avian influenza in poultry including the Asian H5N1 AI. Because scientists cannot predict if Asian H5N1 AI virus will cause a pandemic, federal, state and local government and others are focusing on comprehensive public health efforts - increased monitoring for outbreaks, international cooperation, antiviral and vaccine stockpiles, and building capacity for vaccine production - that will help protect us no matter what pandemic strain emerges or where.

Q) What will the state do if avian influenza is found in Connecticut?
A) There is will be a multi-agency response in the event avian influenza is found in Connecticut. A couple of variables will dictate the course the response will follow and these variables include the strain of avian influenza and whether the virus was detected in wild bird populations or in domestic poultry.

If an avian influenza is detected in poultry , the Connecticut Department of Agriculture will coordinate with the US Department of Agriculture and other State agencies to assess and address an outbreak of avian influenza in poultry.

In a scenario where the Asian H5N1 AI virus is found in either wild birds or poultry, plans have been developed to response to the presence of the Asian H5N1 AI in these bird populations; to prevent the further spread of virus; and to keep the public informed of the actions .

PROTECTING YOURSELF AGAINST AVIAN INFLUENZA

Q) What can I do to protect myself and my family from avian influenza viruses?
A) The Asian H5N1 AI virus does not currently pose a risk to people living in the United States. Unless this virus changes so that it spreads easily from person to person, it is not likely to become a significant threat to people living in the United States. If the Asian H5N1 AI virus ever gets into the United States, the appropriate authorities will publicize any necessary precautions.

There are general precautions that can be taken to reduce the chance of getting sick from any disease carried by animals:

• Wash hands after contact with animals;
• Avoid contact with animals that appear to be sick, including birds;
• Thoroughly cook eggs and meat prior to eating, and wash all utensils and preparation areas thoroughly with soap and hot water;
• Wash hands frequently when preparing food;
• Owners of domestic livestock, including poultry and waterfowl, should contact their local veterinarian if any of their animals appear sick;
• Hunters should hunt and process only healthy-appearing animals and should wear gloves when handling any animal.

Q) Will the flu shot protect me against the Asian H5N1 strain of avian influenza?
A) The flu shot for humans protects against the current human influenza viruses, not avian influenza viruses.

Q) Should I ask my doctor for a prescription anti-flu drug?
A) Tamiflu® and other antiviral drugs are usually used to treat people who are at risk for developing life-threatening complications from the flu. There is no reason to routinely ask for one of these drugs to keep at home. Over-use could result in limited supplies for those who need it most. In addition, over-use in other countries has already caused the avian influenza virus to develop some resistance to one drug, and continued over-use will only cause more problems. Finally, all drugs, including antivirals, can cause side effects and should only be used when necessary and under the supervision of a health care provider.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP

Q) How can hunters and the general public help?
A) You can help the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Wildlife Division monitor the health of Connecticut's wild bird populations by reporting die-offs (See earlier question on "What should I do if I find dead birds on my property?) Also, during the upcoming hunting seasons, donations of certain species for testing (e.g., brant, greater scaup and long-tailed ducks or "old squaw") will greatly assist in our monitoring efforts. Contact Min Huang at or (860) 642-4869, if you are interested in contributing harvested waterfowl.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AVIAN INFLUENZA IN ANIMALS AND HUMANS:

The official U.S. government Web site for information on pandemic flu and avian influenza

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

World Health Organization

Food and Agriculture Organization of The United Nation's Animal Production and Health Division