Dangerous Bird Flu Not found in USA Yet

By Dr. Mark Drew, Wildlife Health Lab, Caldwell Waterfowl and upland game bird hunting seasons have started in Idaho. So has the human flu season. Given the continuing occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in domestic poultry and some wild birds in Asia and Europe, there is some concern about the possibility of bird flu being found in Idaho. There are dozens of kinds of avian influenza. The highly pathogenic form of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu or H5N1, has been found in poultry in several countries in Asia and Eastern Europe. However, avian influenza strain H5N1 is not known to occur in the USA or elsewhere in North America. Avian influenza is relatively common in dabbling ducks and some shorebirds, and in these species, the viruses are maintained and can act as reservoirs for other species of animals. According to wildlife disease specialists at the Southeastern Wildlife Disease Study in Athens, Georgia, viruses representing the H5 and H7 subtypes are present in wild birds in North America, but these viruses are not highly pathogenic and they are not common. None of the avian influenza viruses found in wild birds in North America have been associated with mortality or morbidity in any wild bird species. The big concern for avian influenza virus is the ability of the virus to directly and efficiently infect humans, which could result in a world-wide pandemic in humans. But the virus still lacks the ability to efficiently transmit between people, as it is still a bird-adapted virus. Some migratory bird species move between North America, Asia, and Europe, however, there is limited exchange of avian influenza viruses between continents, even with common influenza virus strains. It is not possible to discount the possibility of an introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza strain H5N1, but this is unlikely. Surveillance for avian influenza strain H5N1 is taking place in the United States and Canada to try to detect the presence of the virus if it arrives in North America. In the United States there currently is no recognized public health risk associated with wild bird contact. Even with the low risk of human disease when handling wild waterfowl and upland game birds, basic hygiene is always recommended when handling any wild animals or carcasses. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game recommends that hunters should not kill obviously sick or ill birds, wear latex or rubber gloves when processing birds, frequently wash hands and implements during processing of birds and clean-up, practice proper food storage and preparation and cook birds thoroughly prior to consumption. Additional information on avian influenza strain H5N1 can be found at these websites: Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (http://www.uga.edu/scwds/avianinfluenzainformation.html) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/flu/avian) USDA-APHIS-Veterinary Services (www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/avian_influenza/index.html) USGS National Wildlife Health Center (www.nwhc.usgs.gov/research/avian_influenza/avian_influenza.html)