Bird flu: All birds are concerned

Avian influenza or bird flu as it is popularly referred to is an infection found in birds (Pheasants, quail, guinea fowl, ostriches, etc.) caused by the influenza A virus. There are various virus ascribed to bird flu of which some cause diseases and some do not. But recently, the term bird flu has often been used to describe the H5N1 avian influenza virus (Department of health, North Dakota).
Truthfully domestic birds such as turkeys and chickens have created a vacuum through which the disease has been well understood. However all domestic and wild birds(including migratory ducks and geese) probably are vulnerable to the H5N1 virus. Migratory ducks play an important role in the spread of the virus across far distances.

Also water that is contaminated by infected bird droppings can serve as passive vector for the most vulnerable species such as swans, which should be considered more as victims of the disease than as responsible for its spread.  Domestic birds might become contaminated through contact with infected wild birds or water polluted with the HPAI H5N1 virus. Conversely, wild birds might become contaminated through contact with infected domestic birds or water polluted with their droppings or by domestic by-products that commonly are used as feed on fish farms in Asia and Africa.

Who are those vulnerable to bird flu?

In most instances, avian influenza viruses do not cause human illness.  However, some of these viruses do develop the ability to infect people.  People may become infected when they have prolonged contact with infected birds, especially domestic birds. People also may become ill from exposure to areas or surfaces contaminated with bird faeces or respiratory secretions. Swimming in water where the carcasses of dead, infected birds have been discarded or water that may have been contaminated by faeces from infected birds might be another source of exposure. 

What are the symptoms of bird flu? 

Most avian influenza viruses do not cause illness in people.  People infected with avian flu viruses may have a variety of symptoms depending on the type of avian influenza virus.  Some people may only develop mild eye infections.  In some instances, symptoms are very similar to that of seasonal human influenza, including fever, chills, headache, cough and body aches.  Less often, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, chest pain and bleeding from the nose and gums also have been reported. Symptoms also may lead to death due to severe pneumonia and other respiratory complications. 

How soon do symptoms appear? 

The time it takes for a person to develop symptoms after infection is unknown and is likely to depend on the type of influenza virus.   

How is bird flu spread? 

Avian influenza can spread from infected birds to people; however, this happens very rarely.  People become infected when they have prolonged contact with nasal discharge or fecal droppings of infected birds.  In general, people can not spread avian flu to other people

Sometimes avian influenza viruses will change over time.  If the right changes occur, it may become possible for people to spread this flu virus from person to person. 

When and for how long is a person able to spread the disease? 

In general, people are not able to spread the disease. 

How is a person diagnosed? 

Diagnosis may be based on the appearance of classic signs and symptoms, a history of travel to a country or area where bird flu is found and/or evidence of prolonged bird exposure.  Also, laboratory tests are available in order to confirm this diagnosis.  

What is the treatment? 

Antibiotics will not work against avian influenza.  Limited evidence suggests that some antiviral drugs may shorten the amount of time a person is ill and improve the chance of survival.  However, these drugs should be given within 48 hours after the first symptoms appear to provide the most benefit. 

Does past infection make a person immune? 

It is unknown at this time. 

Should children or others be excluded from day care, school, work or other activities if they have bird flu?

This will depend on the type of avian influenza virus and the severity of the human disease it might cause.  Consult with your doctor or local or state health department for further guidance. 

What can be done to prevent the spread of bird flu among people? 

The best way to prevent the spread of bird flu is to reduce your exposure to sick and dying birds. View wildlife from a distance and don’t touch dead or sick animals.  If you notice sick or dying birds, report it to local or state health department.

Source: ndflu