Avian Influenza, USA Situation

Article by Patsy Hamilton

Many people are concerned about and interested in avian influenza. USA government agencies and public health officials throughout the world are keeping a close eye on a deadly strain of avian influenza that is currently circulating in Asia, Africa and Europe. Thus far, the strain identified as H5N1 has not appeared in North or South America, though other strains of the virus have been found in poultry in the Americas. In the case of H5N1 influenza, avian injury and death has been substantial. Poultry farms have only seen weaker strains of the virus in the United States, but several flocks of chickens have had to be destroyed because of it.

In hopes of preventing widespread avian influenza, USA government agencies including the US Geologic Survey and the Department of agriculture have joined together to test wild birds for the H5N1 strain. Wild birds infect domesticated birds with the virus by intermingling with them and contaminating their water supplies. Humans that are in close contact with poultry must use special precautions to avoid becoming infected. H5N1 has caused the deaths of 140 people to date. Countries throughout the world are making efforts to inform the public about safety practices that can prevent human cases of this type of influenza, avian injury and poultry losses.

Scientists expect to eventually see the H5N1 bird flu in America, but it might not show up. The concern is that migratory birds from Asia could pass the H5N1 strain to migratory birds from the Americas when they both gather in Alaska. So, the avian influenza USA situation is currently focused on Alaska. Scientists believe that if they can identify H5N1 bird flu in America when it first appears, then they can contain it, before it becomes a problem to the poultry industries in the Americas.

For the prevention of avian influenza, USA agencies involved will test feces and feather samples from about 150,000 wild birds, mostly waterfowl. Scientists believe that if they find H5N1 in America, it will most likely show up in the waterfowl first. In areas of the world where wild birds mingle freely with domesticated birds influenza avian injury and deaths are substantial. USDA regulations in America as well as poultry industry standards decrease the likelihood that it will become a very large problem in the United States.

Large poultry farmers in the USA are now and always have been concerned about bird influenza, avian injury and destruction of flocks can always be necessary, no matter what the strain. They take precautions to protect their birds, because their birds are their livelihood. Enclosures are designed to keep their birds in and wild birds out. Workers wear protective suits, boots and head coverings for bird flu prevention and to prevent other diseases from contaminating the poultry.

While no efforts can guarantee that the avian influenza USA situation will not worsen, farmers, scientists and government agencies throughout the world are making efforts to identify and contain outbreaks quickly. If you are concerned about bird flu prevention for you and your family, take the same precautions that you would always take to protect yours and your family’s health. Cook meat thoroughly. Wash hands, cooking utensils, counter tops or cutting boards that have touched raw meat thoroughly. Eat right, get plenty of rest, take your vitamins and make efforts to maintain a healthy immune system.