NYSCC Grass Roots News -   

Educational insert   May 2006 Issue

 

There has been a great deal written in recent months concerning avian influenza (Flu).  The following is provided from various sources as indicated.

 

Avian Influenza

 

What is it?   Avian Influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) flu viruses. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them.   But the influenza is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks and turkeys very sick and eventually kill them.

 

How does it spread?  - infected birds spread the influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions or excretions or with surfaces that are contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds.  Domesticated birds may become infected with avian influenza virus through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated with the virus.

 

What happens if domestic poultry becomes infected? Domestic poultry can be infected in two ways—one produces minor symptoms such as ruffled feathers and drop in egg production. The other spreads more rapidly through flocks and will affect major internal organs causing death within 48 hours.

 

Is the disease a risk to humans?  During an outbreak of avian influenza among poultry, there is a possible risk to people who contact the infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds.   Symptoms in humans have ranged from  typical human influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to ear infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory-diseases (such as acute respiratory distress) and other severe and life-threatening complication. 

 

Which avian flu strain is causing the most concern?  Of the few avian influenza viruses that have crossed the species barrier to infect humans, H5N1 has caused the greatest number of detected cases of severe disease and death in humans.   In the outbreaks in Asia and Europe more then half of those infected have died.   Most cases have involved previously healthy children and young adults.   There is concern that not all cases are being reported and that only the more severe cases are known.

 

What is the major concern?   The spread of the disease from person to person has been limited and has not continued beyond one person. But the influenza viruses have the ability to change, scientists are concern that one day H5N1 virus could infect humans and spread easily from one person to another.  Because this is a new virus, human immune protection against them in human population is unknown.  If the H5N1 virus were to gain the capacity to spread from person to person, an influenza pandemic (worldwide outbreak of disease) could begin.

 

Is there a vaccine against the disease?  There currently is no commercially available vaccine to protect humans against the H5N1 virus that is being seen in Asia and Europe . Research continues to develop and test such vaccines.  –

 

What else is being done to counteract this disease?  The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) http://www.niaid.nih.gov through the US Department of  Health and  Human Services has been working on investigating the safety of a vaccine against H5N1 avian influenza.  Adult volunteers were to be used to test the vaccine.

 

 

 

 

Source of information:  Department of Health and Human Service –

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  http://www.cdc.gov/fluy/avian/gen-info/facts.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

8     According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention- Since January 2004 the World Health Organization has reported human cases of avian influenza (H5N1) in East Asia and the Pacific – Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam; in Europe & Eurasia – Turkey; and the Near East – Iraq.   Most of these cases have come from direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces.

 

8     National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)  - began testing a H5N1 vaccine produced by Saofi Pasteur in 451 healthy adults ages 18 to 64 beginning in April 2005.  This trial is investigating the safety of the vaccine and its ability to generate an immune response.  For more information visit http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov.  A similar trial on persons over 65 began in October 2005 and one for youngsters ages 2 through 9 started in January 2006.  Please listed website for further information on these studies.   One of these trials is being conducted at University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry here in Rochester , New York . 

 

8     National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)  - believes that the mechanisms that will most likely be responsible for bringing the pandemic flu to the United States will be migratory birds, poultry trade & human travel.

 

8     Department of Health & Human Services – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Symptoms of Avian Influenza in Humans, range from typical influenza-like symptoms (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, viral pneumonia and other severe and life-threatening complications.

 

8     Currently there has been a ban on the importation of birds and bird products from H5N1 infected countries.  The regulations say that no person may import or attempt to import any birds whether dead or alive or any parts derived from birds including hatching eggs from the following countries: Albania , Azerbaijan , Burma , Cambodia , Cameroon , China , Egypt , France , India , Indonesia , Japan , Laos , Kazakhstan , Malaysia , Niger , Nigeria , Romania , Russia , South Korea , Thailand , Turkey , Ukraine and Vietnam .

 

 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE:

 

SURVEILLANCE

USDA is working with federal, state, and industry partners to monitor U.S. bird populations. Surveillance is conducted in four key areas: live bird markets, commercial flocks, backyard flocks, and migratory bird populations.

8      Live Bird Markets: A federal control and prevention program targeting the live bird marketing system involves regular monitoring and surveillance of all facilities in the voluntarily participating states, which are California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Vermont. States with live bird markets that do not participate in the federal program have a state poultry surveillance program in place.

8     Commercial Flocks: The program in commercial poultry is administered through the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) and includes monitoring of poultry production facilities and random testing of poultry flocks with tests performed on all birds that appear ill. As part of the program, USDA has worked with states to develop state response and containment plans.

 

8     Backyard Flocks: Through the "Biosecurity for the Birds" program, USDA continues to encourage backyard and small poultry producers to strengthen biosecurity practices in order to prevent the introduction of AI into their flocks. This program provides important information about reducing the chances of these birds becoming infected with AI. Biosecurity refers to the application of practical management practices that help to prevent AI and other poultry diseases.

 

8     Migratory Birds: Since 1998, USDA scientists, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), have monitored wild migratory birds for AI viruses, having tested more than 12,000 birds in the Alaska flyway, and since 2000, and tested more than 4,000 birds in the Atlantic flyway. USDA and DOI are expanding AI surveillance of major migratory flyways in the United States . Included in those projects are agreements with several universities to increase surveillance in the continental U.S. and in other countries.

 

USDA RESPONSE

8     Bird Vaccine: USDA maintains a bank of avian influenza vaccine, which contains 40 million doses, for birds that would be available if needed, in the event of a HPAI outbreak in the United States . USDA currently is expanding this existing avian influenza vaccine bank to add another 30 million additional doses.

8     Response Plans: USDA works closely with its federal, state, and tribal partners, as well as industry stakeholders to ensure that effective and coordinated emergency response plans are ready should an outbreak of HPAI occur in the United States.

 

NEW YORK STATE EFFORTS: 

            

             New York State will receive $3,205,759 from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to use for pandemic planning activities. NY City will receive $2,466,271 from the HHS to use pandemic planning activities.  This amount is based on a formula adjusted for population.   Arrangements are also being made with the Governor to hold a pandemic planning summit with public and emergency management and response leaders within the state.   For full details of the New York Plan please see or contact the NYS Department of Health the document is about 406 pages long.

 

New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets 10B Airline Drive , Albany , New York 12235
Phone: (518) 457-4188  Fax: (518) 457-3087 Web: http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/ -

8     Surveillance and Control of AI in New York

                The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has had ongoing surveillance for avian influenza, especially within the live bird market system in the New York City area, since 1998. All isolations of avian influenza from this system are characterized and the virus is typed. In 2004 over 10,000 birds were tested without finding any evidence of a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus of any type in this marketing system. So far in 2005 even more birds have been tested with no evidence of any highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.

                In addition to testing for the presence of avian influenza viruses in the markets as well as on commercial and backyard poultry farms, since 1998 New York has required that every flock of birds moving into the live bird marketing system be tested and found negative for avian influenza before these birds can be moved into the markets. Inspectors visit the markets for periodic checks of sanitation and sampling inspections and continue to monitor for the presence of ill birds.

8       Precautionary Suggestions

·         Remove dirt, manure and other organic material from surfaces before applying disinfectant.

·         Thoroughly clean and disinfect cages, crates, vehicles and other poultry handling and cleaning equipment with a disinfectant that will kill the avian influenza virus.

·         Do not loan or borrow cages, crates, vehicles and other poultry handling and cleaning equipment.

·         Only allow authorized personnel to handle birds.

·         Employees and others working with the birds should use clean overalls, kept on the premise, to avoid transferring disease agents in to or out of the operation.

·         Receive replacement birds only from known and reputable sources that practice good disease control practices.

·         Do not travel from the bird operation to another if at all possible. If it cannot be avoided, travel only under the strictest of sanitation measures (wash and change of clothing including footwear).

·         Have sick birds properly diagnosed and disposed of if they die.

The NYS Department of Agriculture maintains an active program to identify and control avian influenza in its domestic bird population. If you have questions or would like more information about measures you can take to keep your birds free of avian influenza, speak to your poultry extension specialist or private veterinarian. Call the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets for additional information, including a list of disinfectants that are effective in killing AI virus and other disease causing organisms on your premises.   Rules and regulations as established concerning Avian Influenza  can be found at the following page with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets: http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/AI/AvianFlu.html.

New York State Department of Health  Empire State Plaza , Corning Tower Bldg. 14th Floor, Albany, NY 12237
Phone: (518) 474-2011  Fax: (518) 474-5450 Web: http://www.health.state.ny.us/

A full plan can be found at the department’s website.  State Health Commissioner Antonia C Novello, MD  on March 10, presented details on the State health Department’s comprehensive Influenza Pandemic Plan at a State Legislative Hearing in Mineola , NY .   (See full details at  http://www.health.state.ny.us/press/releases/2006/2006-03-10_pandemic_flu_release.htm ).  New York 's plan parallels the recently announced national strategy for pandemic influenza released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The State's plan addresses New York 's unique characteristics such as demographics; population density; and international borders; as well as public health and health care systems capacities. The Department's plan includes a strong public education and communication component which will help provide the public with timely and accurate information in the event of a pandemic.

8     These measures include:

 

8     During a pandemic, the Department will add the following measures:

 

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation  625 Broadway, 5th Floor , Albany NY 12233-4750
Phone: (518) 402-8924 Fax: (518) 402-8925  Web: http://www.dec.state.ny.us/

                Information is being distributed from the US F&W Service  and others in regards to the proper handling of migratory birds.  In particular some areas there have been discussions on the feeding of waterfowl in large groups and the potential for the spread of diseases. Some of these guidelines can be found also on http://www.aphis.usda.gov. United States Department of Agriculture Animals and Plant Health Inspection Service, website.  

 

 

 

 

Additional Avian Influenza Links

 

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/ World Health Organization

http://www.niaid.nih.gov National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
http://www.oie.int/eng/en_index.htm  World Organization for Animal health

http://www.bt.cdc.gov  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Bio Terrorism

http://www.aphis.usda.gov. United States Department of Agriculture Animals and Plant Health Inspection Service

http://www.usda.gov/birdflu.  United States Department of Agriculture

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/.  More information about the federal government's efforts to protect human health

 

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