Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Summary What is Avian Influenza (AI)?  AI is a highly contagious viral infection of birds, and migratory waterfowl. Contained in faeces and secretions, it spreads easily from bird to bird and can also infect chickens, pigs, tigers and cats. The recent spread of Type A H5N1 virus from birds to humans is a cause for concern. AI was first reported to cross infect humans in Hong Kong in 1997. What concerns are there for human health? During this 1997 bird outbreak 1.5 million birds were killed and 6 of the 18 infected humans died. Seventeen of the 18 human infections were related to handling infected birds. Up until now human infection has been strongly linked to handling of infected birds. Currently it is believed not to be able to transmit from person to person. There is however concern that this might happen when the virus is exposed to a human flu virus and this is the concern being expressed in the media about a pandemic. The majority of confirmed human avian flu cases have been among people who work or live in rural areas on or near poultry farms. Most human cases have been linked to direct exposure to dead or diseased poultry, notably during slaughtering, defeathering, and food preparation. No cases have been confirmed in poultry workers (as of Sept 05) or cullers. Neither have cases been linked to the consumption of properly cooked poultry or eggs. In all cases following sensible hygiene practices will reduce the risk of contracting the disease. How does the virus transmit? The virus is excreted from infected birds via faeces, nasal or ocular discharge, which then infects new birds via ingestion or contact with these fluids. The virus has been isolated from feed, water and soil as a result of cross contamination. Airborne transmission is also a possibility. What can you do to limit your chances of infection? Avoid contact with all wild birds and their droppings. Do not handle infected domestic or tame birds (or birds that do not look well or normal) without appropriate protective clothing. Wash hands with a biocidal hand cleanser after handling all materials that could have come into contact with birds. Follow good hygienic practices. Cook all foodstuffs derived from birds thoroughly and at temperatures above 70ºC. Follow a properly designed bio-security programme to limit the infection once one has been detected. More details of these can be obtained from JohnsonDiversey. Products to control an infection JohnsonDiversey has selected a range of hygiene products which will help the fight against infection and cross-contamination. Ask your JohnsonDiversey representative for further details. Back to Avian Influenza main page