WHO | Animal influenza Animal influenza Human and animal influenza Influenza is a disease common to man and a limited number of lower animal species mainly horses, pigs, domestic and wild birds, wild aquatic mammals such as seals and whales, minks and farmed carnivores. There are 3 types of influenza viruses A, B and C. Types B and C are human viruses mainly affecting young children and causing a mild disease. Type A virus is the important type as far as cross-species infections are concerned. Influenza type A is distributed worldwide and usually causes a mild respiratory disease in humans and animals. Human influenza epidemics due to new epidemic strains occur at regular intervals of 2 to 3 years and affect mainly elderly people. However, influenza is a potentially devastating disease in both humans and animals thereby very important for both human and veterinary medicine. Pandemics are major epidemics characterized by the rapid spread of a novel type of virus to all areas of the world resulting in an unusually high number of illnesses and deaths in humans in most age groups. Three pandemics of human influenza have affected the world population (1918, 1957 and 1968).

The most infamous pandemic was “Spanish Flu” which is thought to have killed at least 40 million people in 1918-1919. Birds, especially aquatic birds represent a vast reservoir of type A influenza viruses. These viruses have the capacity to spread to many lower mammalian species and sometimes cause high morbidity and mortality. A small number of cases of animal influenza in humans has been described in the past. In these cases the virus originated from pigs, seals, ducks and chicken. Avian influenza In birds, highly pathogenic avian influenza is an extremely contagious and aggressive disease that causes rapid systemic illness and death in susceptible birds. Domestic chickens and turkeys are most severely affected; mortality in these birds often exceeds 50%. From 1959 to 2003 only 21 outbreaks occurred worldwide, mainly in the Americas and Europe. Although all had serious consequences for the poultry industry, most remained geographically circumscribed. After its first detection in 1996 in Guangdong, a province of China, the disease broke out in Hong Kong in 1997.

In the beginning of 2003 mortality in wild and domestic birds in East and South-East Asia extended; an epidemic started. From the recent findings it can be assumed that interspecies transmission of influenza A viruses occurs more frequently than we think, mainly from birds to mammalian species. 41 human deaths have been confirmed in this region since the start of the epidemic till 28 January 2005. Although the outbreaks in poultry have weakened economies and jeopardized food security, the greatest concern for human health is the risk that present conditions could give rise to an influenza pandemic. Information on Avian Influenza | Avian Influenza (Flu) Information on Avian Influenza ShareCompartir Avian influenza refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with avian flu viruses have occurred. The links below offer information about avian influenza for different audiences.

Transmission of Influenza Viruses from Animals to People | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC Transmission of Influenza Viruses from Animals to People Language: Influenza A viruses are found in many different animals, including ducks, chickens, pigs, whales, horses, seals, and cats . Influenza B viruses circulate widely only among humans. Influenza A viruses are divided into subtypes based on two proteins on the surface of the virus: the hemagglutinin (H) and the neuraminidase (N). There are 18 different hemagglutinin subtypes and 11 different neuraminidase subtypes. All known subtypes of influenza A viruses have been found among birds, except subtype H17N10 and H18N11 which have only been found in bats. Below is a table showing the different hemagglutinin and neuraminidase subtypes and the species in which they have been detected. Wild birds are the primary natural reservoir for all subtypes of influenza A viruses and are thought to be the source of influenza A viruses in all other animals.

Most influenza viruses cause asymptomatic or mild infection in birds; however, the range of symptoms in birds varies greatly depending on the properties of the virus. Infection with certain avian influenza A viruses (for example, some H5 and H7 viruses) can cause widespread, severe disease and death among some species of wild and especially domestic birds such as chickens and turkeys. (Viruses that cause severe illness and death in birds or poultry are called “ highly pathogenic .” Pigs can be infected with both human and avian influenza viruses in addition to swine influenza viruses. Infected pigs get symptoms similar to humans, such as cough, fever and runny nose. Because pigs are susceptible to avian, human and swine influenza viruses, they potentially may be infected with influenza viruses from different species (e.g., ducks and humans) at the same time. If this happens, it is possible for the genes of these viruses to mix and create a new virus.

For example, if a pig were infected with a human influenza virus and an avian influenza virus at the same time, the viruses could mix (reassort) and produce a new virus that had most of the genes from the human virus, but a hemagglutinin and/or neuraminidase from the avian virus. The resulting new virus would likely be able to infect humans and spread from person to person, but it would have surface proteins (hemagglutinin and/or neuraminidase) not previously seen in influenza viruses that infect humans. This type of major change in the influenza A viruses is known as antigenic shift . Antigenic shift results when a new influenza A subtype to which most people have little or no immune protection infects humans. If this new virus causes illness in people and can spread easily from person to person, an influenza pandemic can occur. Another example of reassortment is the H7N9 virus . The eight genes of the H7N9 virus are closely related to avian influenza viruses found in domestic ducks, wild birds and domestic poultry in Asia. Experts think multiple reassortment events led to the creation of the H7N9 virus.

These events may have occurred in habitats shared by wild and domestic birds and/or in live bird/poultry markets, where different species of birds are bought and sold for food. As this diagram shows, the H7N9 virus likely obtained its HA (hemagglutinin) gene from domestic ducks, its NA (neuraminidase) gene from wild birds, and its six remaining genes from multiple related H9N2 influenza viruses in domestic poultry. While it is unusual for people to get influenza infections directly from animals, sporadic human infections and outbreaks caused by certain avian influenza A viruses have been reported. Influenza A Subtypes: Species Affected Hemagglutinin Avian influenza (bird flu) - GOV.UK GOV.UK 16 January 2017, see all updates How to spot avian influenza (bird flu), what to do if you suspect it, measures to prevent it, Prevention Zones requiring birds to be housed, and recent cases. Contents Legislation on avian influenza Avian influenza (bird flu) mainly affects birds. It can also affect humans and other mammals. Some strains of avian influenza cause a notifiable disease.

If you suspect any strain of avian flu you must tell your nearest Animal and Plant and Health Agency ( APHA ) office immediately. Failure to do so is an offence. If you keep poultry, you should keep a close watch on them for signs of disease, and maintain high levels of biosecurity at all times. If you have any concerns about the health of your poultry, seek prompt advice from your vet. Sign up to our Alerts Service to keep up to date with the latest news. You must register your poultry if you have flocks of 50 or more birds. This also helps us to contact you during an outbreak of disease. Latest situation Read avian influenza (bird flu) in winter 2016 to 2017 for announcements. On 16 January 2017, we confirmed a case of avian influenza H5N8 in a commercial turkey unit in East Lindsey, Lincolnshire . Some birds at the premises have died and the remaining birds will be humanely culled. We have put in place a 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

On 9 January 2017, the Protection Zone ( PZ ) around the infected premises near Louth, East Lindsey in Lincolnshire, confirmed on 16 December 2016, was lifted. PZ restrictions are no longer in place but Surveillance Zone ( SZ ) restrictions continue to apply to both the SZ and the former PZ . On 6 January 2017, a case of avian influenza H5N8 was confirmed in a small backyard flock of chickens and ducks on a premises near Settle in North Yorkshire . A 3 km Protection Zone and 10 km Surveillance Zone are in place around the premises. You can read more further down this page about the restrictions and movement controls in place in Protection Zones and Surveillance Zones declared around specific cases in England. On 4 January 2017 we announced that the Prevention Zones in place across GB will remain in place until 28 February 2017 . Keepers of poultry and captive birds must “house” them away from wild birds. They must maintain biosecurity and keep a close watch on the health of their birds. Read more about this further down this page.

We have published short, simple advice specifically for keepers of ‘backyard flocks’ on measures they must take. On 3 January 2017 a case of avian influenza H5N8 was confirmed in a backyard flock of chickens and ducks on a premises in Carmarthenshire. More information is available on the Welsh Government website . Poultry keepers and the public are reminded to remain vigilant, to follow our advice on biosecurity, and to comply fully with the prevention zone and temporary gatherings ban. The risk to kept birds cannot be eliminated by housing alone. This virus can be carried into buildings on people and things to infect birds. Good biosecurity measures are essential. We need people to continue to report findings of dead wild birds so that we can collect some of these and test them to help us understand how the disease is distributed; we report on any cases we find in wild birds . Public Health England advise that the risk to public health is very low. The Food Standards Agency say that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers. Use our interactive map to check if you live within any restriction zones.

fewer eggs laid increased mortality Clinical signs can vary between species of bird and some species may show minimal clinical signs (ducks and geese). Low pathogenic avian influenza ( LPAI ) is usually less serious. It can cause mild breathing problems, but affected birds will not always show clear signs of infection. The severity of LPAI depends on the type of bird and whether it has any other illnesses. Anyone who keeps poultry must keep a close watch on them for any signs of disease, and must seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns. How avian influenza is spread The disease spreads from bird to bird by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces. The avian influenza virus changes frequently, creating new strains, and there is a constant risk that one of the new strains may spread easily among people. But there is no evidence that any recent strain of avian influenza has been able to spread directly between people. Avian influenza isn’t an airborne disease. Prevention Zone The Prevention Zones in place across the whole of Great Britain will remain in place until 28 February 2017. Keepers of poultry and captive birds must “house” them away from wild birds.

They must maintain their biosecurity, following our advice, and keep a close watch on the health of their birds. We have published short, simple advice for keepers of ‘backyard flocks’ on measures they must take. An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone declaration ( PDF , 139KB, 2 pages) was made by Defra on 6 January 2017 (this replaced the earlier declaration made on 6 December 2016). Declarations have also been made in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland . The zones require the immediate and compulsory housing of domestic chickens, hens, turkeys and ducks, or where this is not practical, their complete separation from contact with wild birds. For farmed geese, gamebirds and other captive birds, keepers should take practical steps to keep these birds separate from wild birds. We have taken this action because of the increased risk of avian influenza (bird flu) in the UK. Since the autumn of 2016, outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza of subtype H5N8 have been found in poultry and wild birds in several countries across Europe . We are continuing to monitor the situation.

The Prevention Zones help reduce the risk of poultry coming into contact with wild birds which that could carry the virus, or with their droppings. They also reduce the potential for any food or water that poultry use to become contaminated by wild birds. Even when birds are housed there is still a risk of infection, which is why there is an ongoing need for good biosecurity. Poultry keepers must continue to follow the existing animal welfare rules . Biosecurity If you keep poultry you must keep a close watch on them for any signs of disease. If you have any concerns about their health, you must quickly seek advice from your vet.

You should read our detailed information about how to house your birds and keep them separate from wild birds, and about extra biosecurity measures: All bird keepers must now take extra biosecurity steps, including: minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and wild birds making sure that feed and water can’t be accessed by wild birds taking all reasonable precautions to avoid the transfer of contamination between premises, including cleansing and disinfection of equipment, vehicles and footwear reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry or captive birds are kept implementing effective vermin control programmes around buildings where poultry or captive birds are kept thoroughly cleansing and disinfecting housing and equipment at the end of a production cycle keeping Defra -approved disinfectant at the right concentration at key points such as farm entrances and entrances to bird houses Backyard flocks All poultry and captive birds, including backyard flocks, must be housed or, where it is not practicable to do so, kept separate from wild birds, to comply with the legal requirements of the Prevention Zones.

We’ve put together this short leaflet to help keepers of small flocks of poultry to look after their birds whilst there is a Prevention Zone in place: The leaflet has been put together by Defra with help from the British Veterinary Association , Royal Veterinary College and British Veterinary Poultry Association . If you keep your birds near your home, consider housing them in alternative accommodation, such as a garden building, a garage or redundant building that could be adapted to house them temporarily. Remember to check for, and remove, hazardous and toxic substances such as rat bait, and make sure the birds have access to water and somewhere to perch. You must also practice good biosecurity - for example disinfecting footwear and equipment and washing clothing after contact with birds. If you’re concerned about backyard flocks which haven’t been housed or kept separate, then the owner may not yet be aware of the requirement; you can contact your local Trading Standards team if you’re still concerned. Free range Under the current housing restrictions, birds and eggs are still considered free range provided they meet all other requirements.

Declaring a Prevention Zone means birds can be housed for up to 12 weeks (in this case, up till 28 February 2017) and still maintain their free range status. The 12 week period applies to the time when birds are slaughtered or eggs are laid, rather than the time of sale. So provided birds are slaughtered or eggs are laid on or before 28 February 2017, they may still be marketed as free range. Pigeons or birds of prey You can still fly pigeons or birds of prey, but you should try to prevent them from making direct contact with (or catching) wildfowl. Keep a close watch on the health of your birds. Game birds and shoots Shoots have not been banned in the Prevention Zone. If game birds are kept captive, they are covered by the Prevention Zone rules. Once game birds have been released they are classified as wild birds. The person who released the game birds is no longer classed as the ‘keeper’ of the birds. Where released game birds continue to be fed and watered this can continue, though you should make reasonable efforts to minimise the chance of other wild birds accessing their feed and water.

You should use commercial feed and fresh or treated water. Advice on rearing game birds and shooting whilst the Prevention Zone is in force is available from the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation . This has been put together by seven leading countryside and shooting organisations ( BASC , CA , CLA , GFA , GWCT , NGO and SGA ) and endorsed by Defra , the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments. Advice for the public Public health Some strains of avian influenza can pass to humans, but this is very rare. It usually requires very close contact between the human and infected birds. Based on what we know about the H5N8 strain, the risk to public health is considered very low. There have never been any recorded cases of H5N8 in humans. The Food Standards Agency advise that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat. More information on avian influenza in people is available from Public Health England. If you employ people who work with poultry or work with poultry yourself, you can also read Health and Safety Executive advice on protecting workers from avian influenza .

Wild birds If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77). We then collect some of these birds and test them to help us understand how the disease is distributed geographically and in different types of bird. We publish a report (updated weekly) on findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) H5N8 in wild birds in Great Britain. Movement controls and licences We’ve included a generic description of the controls we put in place, as well as specific information about individual recent cases. Use our interactive map to check if you live within any restriction zones. Where general or specific licences are available in relation to movements of poultry or poultry meat, they will be listed in further sections below. Case in Lincolnshire, January 2017 On 16 January 2017 the UK’s Chief Veterinary Office confirmed a case of avian influenza H5N8 in turkeys on a commercial unit in East Lindsey, Lincolnshire .

A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone were put in place around the premises. Within these zones a range of controls are in place to prevent the spread of disease. Some birds at the premises have died and the remaining birds will be humanely culled. Specific information about the restriction is set out in the Avian Influenza declaration, Lincolnshire (16 January 2017) ( PDF , 2.73MB, 14 pages) . Case near Settle in North Yorkshire, January 2017 Specific information about the restrictions is set out in the Avian Influenza declaration - Protection Zone and Surveillance Zone, Yorkshire (6 January 2017) ( PDF , 3.07MB, 14 pages) . Case in Lincolnshire, December 2016 On 16 December 2016 we confirmed a case of avian influenza H5N8 in turkeys on a poultry farm near Louth, East Lindsey in Lincolnshire . A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone were put in place around the premises. Within these zones a range of controls were in place to prevent the spread of disease.

The humane culling of all birds at the farm was completed on 17 December 2016 and preliminary cleansing and disinfecting was completed on 19 December 2016. As there have been no more confirmed cases in the zones since cleansing and disinfecting took place, the PZ was lifted on 9 January 2017. Although PZ restrictions are no longer in place, SZ restrictions continue to apply to both the SZ and the former PZ . Specific information about the restrictions is set out in Avian Influenza declaration - Surveillance Zone (merged), Lincolnshire (9 January 2017) ( PDF , 2.81MB, 7 pages) . This revokes Avian Influenza declaration, Lincolnshire (16 December 2016 revoked 9 January 2017) ( PDF , 1.43MB, 13 pages) . Case in Wales, December 2016 For the case of H5N8 in Carmarthenshire, please check the Welsh Government website . Infected premises This is a general description of controls we apply. Consult any specific Declaration in force.

On confirmation of disease, a 10 km Surveillance Zone and an inner Protection Zone of 3 km are put in place around each infected premises. A detailed breakdown of the specific restrictions in place are contained in the declaration imposing these restrictions. Susceptible animals are culled and their carcases and any other contaminated products of animal origin are safely disposed of. Preliminary cleansing and disinfection is also carried out as part of these activities. Protection Zone This is a general description of controls we apply. Consult any specific Declaration in force.

If your premises is within the defined Protection Zone within a 3 km radius of an affected premises you must: continue to keep poultry and other captive birds in their buildings or isolated from other poultry, captive birds and wild birds not move poultry or other captive birds without a licence (exceptions apply for pet animals) not move pigs or other mammals susceptible to avian influenza on or off premises where poultry or other captive birds are kept without a licence ensure that all bird carcases are disposed of in accordance with veterinary instructions – unless they are seized or disposed of by a veterinary inspector ensure that appropriate biosecurity measures are in place for people entering or leaving any premises where poultry, other captive birds or eggs are kept not spread poultry litter, manure and slurry or remove these from your premises not have bird gatherings or release game birds not move eggs without a licence - however table eggs may be moved to wholesale, retail premises or subsequent movements (such as when purchased by a consumer) not move poultry meat within or outside of the zone except in accordance with specific rules set out below cleanse and disinfect vehicles which may be contaminated keep specified records eg poultry movements and visitor records continue to implement the requirements set out in the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone declaration ( PDF , 139KB

, 2 pages) All premises within a Protection Zone are also in the associated Surveillance Zone (and the following restrictions also apply).

Surveillance Zone This is a general description of controls we apply. Consult any specific Declaration in force.

If your premises is within the defined Surveillance Zone within a 10 km radius of an affected premises you must: continue to keep poultry and other captive birds in their buildings or isolated from other poultry, captive birds and wild birds not move poultry or other captive birds on or off premises where other birds are kept (exceptions apply for pet animals) without a licence not move pigs or other mammals susceptible to avian influenza to or from places where poultry or other captive birds are kept without a licence ensure that appropriate biosecurity measures are in place for people entering or leaving any premises where poultry, other captive birds or eggs are kept not spread poultry litter, manure and slurry or remove these from your premises not have bird gatherings or release game birds not move poultry and eggs out of the zone without a licence - however table eggs may be moved to wholesale, retail premises or subsequent movements (such as when purchased by a consumer) cleanse and disinfect vehicles which may be contaminated keep specified records eg poultry movements and visitor records continue to implement the requirements set out in the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone declaration ( PDF , 139KB, 2 pages) Bird gatherings (such as shows or exhibitions) and the release of game birds are banned Cleansing and disinfection of vehicles

 and instruments which may be contaminated must be carried out as soon as materials are unloaded.

Vehicles leaving premises within the zone must also be cleaned and disinfected before departing. General licences General licences allow a movement or activity that would otherwise be prohibited in England and Wales. You need to check that you meet and comply with the conditions of the general licence. If you do so, you don’t need to apply - you can rely on the general licence as providing authority for the movement or activity. The following general licences are currently available (the first three, with titles ending in ‘EW’ are also available in Wales): EXD249 and EXD264 for food business operators in England – see ‘Meat from poultry within the Protection Zone’ below Specific licences If you need to move something that is restricted in any Protection Zone or Surveillance Zones currently in force, you should apply now to APHA so that your application can be considered. Please fill in the Application requesting exemption from restrictions form (EXD100) (MS Word Document, 224KB) and send it by email to APHA at outbreak.licensing@apha.gsi.gov.uk (please ignore instructions on the form about signing it and sending it by post).

If a licence is issued, it will allow a one-off movement and be subject to certain conditions based on disease control risk. Specific licences which are currently being issued on request include: movement of poultry from the PZ or SZ to slaughter movements of pullets within the SZ only Meat from poultry within a Protection Zone in England Food business operators have to follow some specific rules for any meat produced from poultry or farmed game birds originating within a Protection Zone. We do this to reduce animal health risks. Other poultry meat (that is, from poultry not originating within the Protection Zone) is unaffected. Meat from poultry or farmed game birds originating within a Protection Zone can be moved or sold, subject to a number of conditions. These include a requirement that the health mark is replaced with a specific mark (approved by the Secretary of State in any particular disease outbreak) which must remain with it throughout any processing or repackaging. These conditions are set out in General Licence EXD249. Under some specific circumstances – set out in General Licence EXD 264 – the recipient of poultry meat is permitted to remove the specific mark temporarily for production, and in some circumstance not to re-apply it.

The legal requirements are set out in each General Licence but we’ve also published a more detailed explanation of the rules and how they work. Movement of meat from poultry originating in a PZ - explanation of the rules ( PDF , 139KB, 5 pages) Bird fairs, markets, shows and other gatherings All markets, fairs, shows, exhibitions or other gatherings of birds (regardless of species) are banned within any Protection and Surveillance Zones declared within England. For the following species of birds, markets, fairs, shows, exhibitions or other gatherings are banned in England from 20 December 2016 (they are no longer covered by the general licence on bird gatherings) until further notice: birds of the family galliforme (including pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey) birds of the family anseriforme (including ducks, geese, swans) birds that are reared or kept in captivity for the production of meat or eggs for consumption, the production of other commercial products, for restocking supplies of game or for the purposes of any breeding programme for the production of these categories of birds Similar bans are in place in Wales and Scotland and Northern Ireland .

For pigeons, aviary birds and certain other captive pet birds (strictly, columbiformes, passerines and psittaciformes), gatherings are only permitted (outside the Protection and Surveillance Zones) subject to strict general licence conditions. We have published guidance on how to follow the general licence conditions for a bird gathering , and biosecurity advice for bird gathering organisers and participants. The collection of wild game birds is not affected by these measures. Compensation You may be entitled to compensation if your poultry are killed under orders from government or APHA in the event of a disease outbreak. Owners are not entitled to compensation following the declaration of the Prevention Zone. Trade, import and export issues We summarise any current issues for UK poultry and poultry product exports on our topical issues page . We also have a collection of guidance and forms for importing and exporting live animals or animal products . Exports and EU Trade As soon as disease is confirmed, we put in place measures in accordance with Council Directive 2005/94/EC. A Protection Zone ( PZ ) of 3 km and Surveillance Zone ( SZ ) of 10 km are declared around all infected premises containing poultry.

No trade is allowed from the affected premises as soon as they are put under restriction. We trace all recent movements from the infected premises. Imports from the EU You can’t import poultry and poultry products into the UK from within Protection Zones and Surveillance Zones imposed around confirmed cases of avian flu within other EU countries. EU trade relies on strict certification for movement of live poultry, day old chicks and hatching eggs. Products such as poultry meat, table eggs and poultry products are not subject to certification within the EU. Recent cases Information about recent cases in England is set out above. Information about the case of avian influenza H5N8, confirmed in a backyard flock of chickens and ducks in Carmarthenshire on 3 January 2017, is available on the Welsh Government website . A case of low severity (H5N1) avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed by the Scottish authorities on a poultry breeding farm in Dunfermline on 13 January 2016. Restrictions around the affected site were lifted on 11 February 2016. We published an epidemiological report summarising our investigations into the case .

A case of H7N7 avian flu was confirmed near Preston, Lancashire on 13 July 2015. A low severity case of H7N7 was confirmed on 2 February 2015 in chickens at a farm in Hampshire. A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 was confirmed on 16 November 2014 in ducks on premises in East Yorkshire. Restrictions around the affected sites were lifted on 16 August 2015, 28 February 2015, and 21 December 2014, respectively. We have published reports about the investigations we carried out . Earlier papers about these cases are available on the National Archives website . Control strategy Disease control strategy Cases of avian influenza, if they occur, are controlled by following the contingency plan for exotic notifiable diseases and the notifiable avian disease control strategy . You can read what happens when a notifiable disease is suspected or confirmed .

Legislation on avian influenza Avian Influenza | Animal Welfare Information Center | NAL | USDA Animal Welfare Information Center Home » Information Centers » Animal Welfare Information Center » Avian Influenza Avian Influenza Avian influenza is a disease of poultry, whose disease symptoms vary from completely mild or unnoticeable to a catastrophic disease with a mortality rate that can reach up to 100% in some avian species. The natural hosts of the virus are ducks, shorebirds, and other species of wild aquatic birds. Guidance for Protecting Employees Against Avian Flu US Department of Labor. Occupational Safety & Health Administration. This page provides background information on the transmission of avian influenza. Guidance on prevention are provided for anyone, such as farm animal handlers, laboratory workers, food handlers, airline crews, and travelers abroad who may come in contact with contaminated birds. ProMED Mail - Information About Avian Influenza International Society for Infectious Diseases. This site is a global electronic reporting system for outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases & toxins, open to all sources. It is a program for monitoring emerging diseases. Avian Flu News Nature Publishing Group.

Nature's Avian Flu News page contains new research and a timeline alongside a comprehensive archive of news and articles. Avian Influenza USGS . National Wildlife Health Center. This site provides current information on avian influenza in wild birds, guidelines for handling wild birds, and referenced reports of disease in wildlife and domestic animals. Animal Health - Avian Influenza Food and Agriculture Organization. Animal Production and Health Division. This site provides some of the latest information on the cause and nature of disease and its spread throughout the world. Bi-weekly maps on outbreaks and their relationship to migratory birds are listed. There are guidance documents on the surveillance and control of the disease, as well as extensive descriptions of the disease using photos and videos. Foreign Animal Diseases, Part III - Diseases ( pdf | 4.4 MB ) United States Animal Health Association. Committee on Foreign Animal Diseases. Information about avian influenza starts on page 137, including its geographic distribution, transmission, incubation period, clinical signs, lesions, diagnosis, treatment, and public health issues. Fact Sheet - Avian Influenza - Animals - Canadian Food Inspection Agency Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fact Sheet - Avian Influenza What is avian influenza?

Avian influenza (AI), often called "bird flu," is caused by the Type "A" influenza virus. This virus can affect several species of food-producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc. ), as well as pet and wild birds. Avian influenza viruses can be broadly classified into two types, based on the severity of the illness caused in birds: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) Most avian influenza viruses are low pathogenic. These typically cause little or no signs of illness in infected birds. However, highly pathogenic viruses can cause severe illness and death in birds. Are some strains of avian influenza more likely to be highly pathogenic? Avian influenza viruses are divided by subtypes based on two proteins found in the viruses: hemagglutinin, or "H" protein, and neuraminidase, or "N" protein. There are 16 H types and 9 N types which create a total 144 possible combinations.

The H5 and H7 subtypes of the virus are of particular concern, given the ability of these two H-types to mutate from low pathogenic to highly pathogenic after they infect domestic birds. These two H-types have been known to cause serious disease or mortality in domestic poultry, yet low pathogenic H5 and H7 viruses are quite common in wild waterfowl. Different strains of the same type of virus can exist, particularly in different parts of the world. Such strains can have very different characteristics and structure. For example, the H5N1 strain that has been reported in various parts of Europe is low pathogenic and is distinctly different from the Asian strain, which is highly pathogenic. Is avian influenza a risk to human health? Avian influenza viruses, such as the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus present in Asia, can, on rare occasions, cause disease in humans. Transmission to humans has occurred when people have had close contact with infected birds or heavily contaminated environments. Due to the potential for human infection, it is recommended that people working with poultry suspected of being infected with avian influenza, or in contact with such poultry, wear protective clothing. This includes, face masks, goggles, gloves and boots.

Additional information: swelling of the skin under the eyes wattles and combs become swollen and congested The incubation period of AI ranges from 2 to 14 days. The signs of AI are very similar to those seen with Velogenic Newcastle Disease and other poultry diseases. How is avian influenza diagnosed? Avian influenza should be suspected on the basis of clinical signs. Laboratory testing is needed to confirm the presence of the avian influenza virus. Contact your local veterinarian or provincial veterinary laboratory for assistance. How is avian influenza treated? There is no treatment for birds that have the disease. Vaccinating the birds may play a role in reducing the spread of the disease but does not eliminate the virus. How is avian influenza transmitted and spread? Wild birds, especially waterfowl, are natural reservoirs of influenza viruses. They are not normally affected by the disease, but can still transmit it to domestic birds. The disease can spread to birds through contact with infected poultry and poultry products. It can also spread through contaminated manure, litter, clothing, footwear, vehicles, equipment, feed and water. It is essential for commercial poultry producers to use strict biosecurity practices in order to prevent introduction of the virus to their flock.

Farmers should take the following measures. Keep poultry away from areas frequented by wild birds. Maintains strict control over access to poultry houses. Make sure that equipment is cleaned and disinfected before taking it into poultry houses. Do not keep bird feeders or create duck ponds close to poultry barns because they attract wild birds. Maintain high sanitation standards. Can pets be infected with avian influenza? Pet birds can be infected by avian influenza and spread the disease to humans. In order to prevent the spread of AI , Canada has strict import requirements for pet birds from countries affected by avian influenza . The highly pathogenic Asian strain of H5N1 has also been detected in mammals, including rats, mice, weasels, ferrets, pigs, cats and dogs. However, the number of documented cases of avian influenza H5N1 in non-avian species is very low, despite the fact that this virus has caused large avian outbreaks globally over the last few years. Current science suggests that the risk of a human contracting avian influenza from a mammalian pet is very low. Nonetheless, owners are encouraged to take appropriate precautions to protect their pets and themselves. What is done to protect domestic poultry from avian influenza in Canada?

The CFIA imposes strict regulations on the import of animals and animal products from countries where avian influenza is known to occur. These regulations are enforced through port-of-entry inspections done either by the Canada Border Services Agency or the CFIA . The CFIA has enhanced its avian influenza surveillance for commercial poultry flocks in Canada with the launch of the Canadian Notifiable Avian Influenza Surveillance System (CanNAISS) . This surveillance program was developed in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, poultry farmers and other industry representatives. The Government of Canada, provincial and territorial governments, and animal health experts also conduct an annual surveillance program of avian influenza in wild birds. Through this program, live and dead birds are sampled and tested for avian influenza viruses. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act and Regulations. This means that all suspected cases must be reported to the CFIA for immediate investigation by inspectors.

Under the Notifiable Avian Influenza Hazard Specific Plan, the CFIA responds to both highly pathogenic and low pathogenic H5 and H7 viruses by reporting disease outbreaks to the OIE , establishing quarantines, ordering the humane destruction of poultry, conducting trace-out activities, overseeing the cleaning and disinfection of premises, and verifying that the affected farms remain free of avian influenza according to OIE standards. How would the CFIA respond to an outbreak of avian influenza in Canada? Canada's emergency response strategy to an outbreak of avian influenza would be to eradicate the disease and re-establish Canada's disease-free status as quickly as possible. The CFIA 's AI emergency response strategy includes the following measures: the humane destruction of all infected and exposed animals surveillance and tracing of potentially infected or exposed animals strict quarantine and animal movement controls to prevent disease spread strict decontamination of infected premises zoning to define infected and disease-free areas Owners whose animals are ordered destroyed by the CFIA may be eligible for compensation . What can travellers do to help protect Canadian livestock from an outbreak of avian influenza?

While out of the country, travellers should avoid visiting areas where they may come into contact with live birds, including poultry farms live bird markets any other area where birds congregate If you are in contact with live birds infected with the AI virus, the virus may persist on your clothing, footwear and in your hair. Take appropriate personal hygiene measures, such as the following. Wash your hands Wash all of the clothing you had with you while abroad Clean and disinfect your footwear When you return home, do the following. Avoid contact with farmed animals (including poultry), zoo animals or wildlife for five days after you return if you were exposed to similar animals while you were abroad. Do not visit Canadian farms for 14 days if you visited a farm or had contact with wild birds while abroad. Be sure the footwear you wore to the farm or when you had contact with wild birds is disinfected and your clothing is washed thoroughly and dried at a high temperature. Animal Diseases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Skip to main navigation Animal Diseases There are many different types of diseases that can affect wildlife in New York State. Two diseases that the DEC continues to monitor are Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and the Avian (Bird) Flu.

Find detailed information about the various animal diseases below. More about Animal Diseases: Aspergillosis - The causes, symptoms, diagnosis and prevention of the wildlife disease Aspergillosis. Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) - Answers to common questions about bird flu (also known as avian influenza). Brain worm - Review the life cycle, symptoms, diagnosis, and management implications of the parasitic brain worm inflicting New York's moose. Chronic Wasting Disease - Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a rare, fatal, neurological disease found in cervids, members of the deer family. Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease in New York State - Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) is an infectious viral disease affecting white-tailed deer. House Finch Conjunctivitis - The symptoms and treatment of the disease House Finch Conjuntivitis Rabies - Information and Q & A about Rabies Salmonellosis - Information on causes, diagnosis, susceptible species, transmission and how to avoid spreading this avian disease. Trichomoniasis - A description of the disease of doves and pidgeons, Trichomoniasis.

Includes symptoms, mode of tranmission, how to diagnose and threats to other species. White-nose Syndrome - Bat biologists across the country are evaluating strategies to monitor the presence of this disease and collect specimens for laboratory analysis. Type E Botulism - Information about Type E Botulism in Lakes Erie and Ontario. Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) in New York - Information on the outbreak of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) in New York. Whirling Disease - Whirling Disease in fish is an issue of controversy and concern in portions of North America. USGS National Wildlife Health Center - Avian Influenza Wildlife Chart Influenza A virus (A/ostrich/HeNan/14/2002(H5N1)) nucleoprotein (NP) gene, partial cds. Chart Bibliography: Chen, H., Smith, G.J.D., Zhang, S.Y., Oin, K., Wang, J., Li. K.S., Webster, R.G., Peiris, J.S.M., and Guan, Y.

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Govorkava, E.A., Rehg, J.E., Krauss, S., Yen, H., Guan, Y., Peiris, M., Nguyen, T.D., Hanh, T.H., Puthavanthana, P., Long, H.T., Buranathai, C., Lim, W., Webster, R.G., and Hoffman, E. 2004, Lethality to ferrets of H5N1 influenza viruses isolated from humans and poultry in 2004: Journal of Virology online, , accessed 06/21/05. Guan, Y., Peiris, M., Kong, K.F., Dyrting, K.C., Ellis, T.M., Sit, T., Zhang, L.J., and Shortridge, K.F. 2001. H5N1 influenza viruses isolated from geese in Southeastern China: Evidence for genetic reassortment and interspecies transmission to ducks: Virology v.292, pg. 16-23.

Keawcharoen, J., Oraveerakul, K., Kuiken, T., Fouchier, R., Amonsin, A., Payungporn, S., Noppornpanth, S., Wattanodorn, S., Theamboonlers, A., Tantilertcharoen, R., Pattanarangsan, R., Arya, N., Ratanakorn, P., Osterhaus, A., and Poovorawan, Y. 2004, Avian influenza H5N1 in tigers and leopards: Center for Disease Control (CDC) online, , accessed 06/21/05. Kuiken, T., Rimmelzwaan, G.F., Van Amerongen, G., and Osterhaus, A. 2003, Pathology of human influenza A (H5N1) virus infection in cynomologus macaques (Macaca fascicularis): Veterinary Pathology online, , accessed 06/21/05.

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Question: Avian influenza affects which type of creatures?
Answer: Birds