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Bird Flu
Questions and answers related to H5N1 Bird Flu (Avian Flu). It is an extremely virulent influenza virus that can infect birds, occasionally pigs, rarely infections in other animals, and very rarely humans. Fortunately, it does not spread very easily, and only extremely rare human to human transmissions have been known to occur. No instance of the virus spreading beyond a first generation of close human contacts has been reported. It does, however, have a very high mortality rate in animals and in humans (60% death rate in humans).
193 Questions
Yes, common household cleansers and disinfectants can be used, as long as you read the label to be sure they list that they are effective against "Type A Influenza Viruses". You can also spray with household bleach solutions. See the related links below in the links section for more information about cleaning products from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What animal may be infected by both human and bird flu?
For now the list is short of those documented to be able to get both:
Pigs, Humans, Birds
However, many strains of human flu are Type A Influenza. H5N1 Avian (Bird) Flu is a type A flu, and so is H1N1/09 Swine Flu. Many different animals get different strains of these Type A influenza viruses, but until recently, the transfer across species was not typical (rare or non-existent) and is still not very common.
Animals that commonly get Type A influenza strains are pigs, birds, sea mammals, horses, and humans. But so far only pigs and birds have been known to also get human influenza A which allows them to be a "middle man" for the cross species transfer of H5N1 to humans. There are no confirmed cases of human to human transmission.
There have been no cases of Bird Flu in animals or people in the US so far. It was in the UK for a period in some poultry, but it has been declared gone from the UK now. The cases of human infection with H5N1 are extremely rare world wide. Most cases have been in the East or the Middle East.
Bird Flu has also been known to infect other animals in rare situations in other parts of the world. The crossing between species requires that the infected animals and people (or animals with other animals) are living in very close frequent contact in overly-crowded conditions, these living conditions are not as common in the Western World.
There is also concern, but no proof, that other animals may be able to act as a bridge between birds and humans in flu transmission between animal species.
There have been a few cases of domestic cats infected from suspected ingestion of sick or dead birds who had the H5N1 virus. Some survived, some died. There have been no known cases of human avian influenza resulting from exposure to sick cats. But because cats are often in regular close contact and living indoors with humans, this is going to be an area requiring continued close monitoring by the public health officials of the world. There are also reports of big cats (tigers, etc.) in captivity having been infected with the Avian Flu. There are no reports of the big cats having it in the wild, however, so again, the crowding and frequent contact with other animals and humans in captivity is one of the major factors in that cross-over between species.
In addition to pigs, wild birds, pet birds, poultry, water fowl, humans, domestic cats, and at least one dog, other animals can be infected with Avian flu such as palm civets, cynomolgus macaques, New Zealand white rabbits, stone martens, tigers, leopards, ferrets and rats. It is believed that it is, therefore, possible that other mammals may also be susceptible to H5N1 infection, especially under the conditions of crowding.
The spread of the bird flu from humans to animals (including cats, dogs, and birds) has not been documented to date, but, in theory, could be possible under specific environmental circumstances.
Is there a bird with the name of swine?
No, swine means the same as hog or pig. The swine flu is called that because it was originally found in pigs. Bird flu comes from mostly water birds and poultry.
How does bird flu effect humans?
See the related questions for information about the symptoms of bird flu. It has serious effects both on poultry and birds, but especially on humans. 50 - 60 % of the humans who have caught bird (Avian) flu have died from the disease. It does not spread easily from human to human, but the mortality rate is severe.
Birds, especially water fowl and poultry, must be isolated or killed if they get this flu, which can drastically impact commercial poultry farmers and economies where these operations are major employers in the community.
How long does a person need to show his bird flu symptoms?
The incubation period of bird flu is expected to be 3 to 10 days.
Where are the cases of the new H7N9 avian flu?
As of April 5, 2013 there have been a total of 16 lab-confirmed cases of human avian flu H7N9 in China. Of those, 6 have died.
Originally there were three cases identified of this new version of human avian flu which was reported first on March 31, 2013. The five new cases reported as of April 5 included three cases in Shanghai and two in Jiangsu. One of these cases in Shanghai involved the death of a 52 year old woman and the other two cases are a 67 year old male in critical condition and a 4 year old boy with mild illness of of the date of the report. The patients involved in the two cases in Jiangsu are both in critical condition.
What is used to diagnose bird flu?
.laboratory testing is needed to diagnose avian influenza.Test methods include a viral culture that analyses a blood sample and swabbings of the nose or throat. Other testing examines respiratory secretions.
What are the demographics of West Nile virus infection?
The West Nile virus can infect males and females with equal frequency. There is no known predilection for people of specific ethnic backgrounds. People over 50 years old are at the highest risk of having serious illness.
Is it normal if your lovebird is bleeding fom underneath the tail by his butt?
Usually it is not normal i think you should take it to a bird specialist or vet.
What are the current viruses going around in Queensland?
Well, I've got a particularly nasty and different one. It's like a dry 'flu. I don't have a runny nose or sore throat, but I have had severe headaches from a high temperature for four days so far. My body aches and aches to the point where I can't sit or lie unless I'm full of aspirin (which also eases the temp and headache a bit). If I take a depper breath - not really deep, it feels like my chest is full of muck, but there is no congestion there at all. Breathing in suddenly makes me feel really sick. I have a mild dry cough at night. I have gone off food, although yesterday when I was full of aspirin I was able to eat a mel. I didn't really enjoy it, but I felt I needed nutrition. I'm tired of freezing to death from the fever. This morning was possibly the worst so far - day 4 - when I was in so much pain I could barely move. I hope it begins to ease off soon, but it's still getting worse. I missed yesterday at work - there was no way I could go - but the first two days although I was sick, I could cope.
What is the code for the avian flu?
The name of the strain of virus that causes the Avian (Bird) flu is H5N1.
If you are asking for the ICD-9-CM diagnosis code, the new 2010 code for the Avian flu is 488.0.
It is unlikely that they have Avian Flu, but you must treat them as if they did. Do not touch them. To be safe from diseases, like bird flu, call your local Animal Control Department or Health Department first and ask them if there have been any cases of Avian Flu in birds in your area. Ask also about West Nile Virus and any other zoonotic diseases (diseases men get from animals) that might be known to be there. The Animal Control or health department people can tell you if this is common in your area, and if it is, they can test the birds to determine the cause of death so you know for sure.
Could they have flown into a window and broken their necks? They do it because they see the reflection of the trees and sky in the window and can't tell that there is glass there.
Do you have a cat? Cats will sometimes catch small animals and bring them home, this goes back to their instinct to provide food for the family and they can consider their humans as family. Usually, but not always, there will be tell tale signs that the animal has been attacked (missing feathers, broken wings, blood, etc.).
Whatever it may be, do not touch them at all and don't go near them without adults present if you are young. Avoid breathing in air that may be contaminated when close to or handling them even with gloves or a shovel, some diseases birds can carry are airborne.
Before you do anything, ask the officials how you should protect yourself and how you should dispose of the birds safely to protect others as well.
There is no specific "meaning", other than the fact that the bird was sick or died as a result of injury. But if you find several dead birds around your home, or if your neighbors find dead birds around their homes as well, then you need to contact your local health department to see if they are testing for West Nile Virus.
Was there a bird flu going around?
There was a disease that was affecting humans called 'bird flu' that caused a scare a few years ago but is now extinct. it was called bird flu because it was mainly affecting birds
Is there a vaccine for bird flu?
Studies done in laboratories suggest that the prescription medicines approved for human influenza viruses should work in treating avian influenza infection in humans. However, influenza viruses can become resistant to these drugs, so these medications may not always work. Additional studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of these medicines.
Is avian influenza unicellular?
No. Influenza viruses, including avian "bird" flu have no cells at all.
