Avian Flu
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AVIAN FLU INFORMATION LEAFLET
The recent outbreaks of avian influenza, or bird flu in Asia as well as the rapid spread between Asian countries, AND the more recent scare in ostriches in South Africa, has caused concern worldwide.WHAT IS THE SITUATION IN SOUTH AFRICA?
This virulent disease strain (H5N1) which caused the Asian Avian Flu, has never occurred in South Africa and the Poultry Association as well as the Port and Veterinary Public Health officials do everything to block the import of product from any country where the H5N1 strain has been detected. Trade with countries suspected of having the disease is restricted or closely monitored. Shipments sent prior to outbreaks will be tested at ports of entry.
However, more recently the strain of Avian flu (H5N2) related to the Asian virus, was detected in the Eastern Cape where some 2000 ostriches died of the virus. All exports of ostrich meat were immediately stopped as a precautionary measure. Extensive tests revealed that the incidence of the outbreak locally was unrelated to the Asian epidemic.
HOW DOES BIRD FLU AFFECT HUMANS?
Bird flu is not a food borne disease. The virus is transferred to humans via the respiratory tract and not by ingestion. The World Health Organization (WHO), United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization have compiled the following facts on the bird flu.
WHAT IS BIRD / AVIAN FLU?
A form of influenza believed to strike all birds, though domestic poultry are believed especially prone to it. It also has jumped to humans, though no human-to-human transmission has been reported.
WHERE IS BIRD / AVIAN FLU FOUND?
Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Pakistan have reported outbreaks in birds. Laos is awaiting test results and fears it might have the disease. Thailand and Vietnam have reported human cases. Bird flu was first reported in humans in Hong Kong in 1997. Since then, it's been detected mostly in Asia, although the Netherlands reported an outbreak, including human cases, in 2003.
HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN AFFECTED?
There have been some human deaths in Asia – this situation changes daily. Some of the deaths have been positively linked to the H5N1 strain, while others are unconfirmed. For more current information please consult the World Health Organization (WHO) web site (http://www.who.int).
No deaths have been reported from the local outbreak of a related strain of the virus.
HOW IS THE VIRUS TRANSMITTED?
Infected birds spread the virus through saliva, faeces and nasal secretions. So far, only humans with direct contact to sick birds have contracted the disease. But scientists are worried that bird flu could link with regular human influenza, mutate, and become a deadly new virus and trigger a pandemic.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS IN BIRDS?
Loss of appetite, ruffled feathers, fever, weakness, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, swelling. If the strain is virulent, mortality rate can range between 50 to 100%.
IS THERE A FOOD SAFETY RISK?
There's no evidence that the virus is being passed through eating chicken products. Heat kills viruses, and the WHO recommends the following:
- chicken products should be cooked thoroughly at temperatures of at least 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit)
- people should wash their hands after handling poultry and ensure that poultry carcasses do not contaminate other objects.
THE FACS MESSAGE:
The facts remain, the only people at risk are those that directly handle birds. The supply of poultry products in South Africa is controlled and safe and there are no immediate concerns to human health.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Visit the WHO (World Health Organisation) website on www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm
F.A.C.S. Scientific Director. 2004.
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Last modified 2007-03-15 08:34 AM