Avian Influenza (H5N1) - Bird Flu

Avian Influenza is currently affecting ten countries in Asia and has already resulted in mass deaths and destruction of chickens and other poultry such as ducks. Infected poultry can transmit the virus to humans leading to severe disease with high mortality.

While most strains of Avian Influenza virus are found in respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts of infected birds, the H5N1 strain spreads virtually to all parts of the bird including the meat.

Although the Philippines is not one of the countries in Asia that is majorly affected by the Avian Influenza in the past years, the government remains vigilant and has a preparedness plan set up for any incidents.

FAQ about the Avian influenza (H5N1) – Bird Flu

Q: What is Avian Influenza Bird Flu?

A: Avian Influenza, also known as Bird Flu is caused by the highly pathogenic influenza virus H5N1. It is an infection naturally among birds. These birds shed the influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and feces. Direct contact with infected poultry, inhalation of infected dust or surfaces contaminated with the secretions of the birds can expose humans to the Bird Flu.

Q: Why are we concerned with bird flu?

A: There are a number of reasons why we are concerned with bird flu:

• Bird flu or Avian influenza (AI) causes serious illness and death in humans
• Avian and human influenza viruses can recombine to form a totally new influenza A virus which is capable of spreading from person to person and from which the human population do not have protection
• Avian Influenza causes severe epidemics and mass death of chickens affecting the poultry industry.
• The Avian Influenza virus poses a threat not only to the economic security but also to human health as well. Mass deaths of poultry farms and high levels of fatality in humans make this a serious concern if it becomes an Avian Influenza pandemic.

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of bird flu in chickens?

A: Infection causes a wide spectrum of symptoms in birds, ranging from mild illness to a highly contagious and rapidly fatal disease resulting in severe epidemics.

• Decrease in activity
• Fever, Coughs
• Drastic decline in egg production
• Facial swelling with swollen and bluish-violet colored combs and wattles
• Hemorrhages on internal membrane surfaces
• Virus isolation needed for definitive diagnosis
• Gasping for breath
• Muscle Aches
• Weakness/paralysis
• Diarrhea
• Pneumonia (in some cases)
• Sudden deaths (mortality that can reach 100%)

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of the Avian Bird Flu in humans?

A: Bird flu is very similar to other influenza viruses. Initial symptoms are:

• Fever
• Muscle weakness and/or pain
• Sore throat and cough
• Sore eyes (conjunctivitis) is seen in some patients
  
  Causes of death and complications are:
  • Severe viral pneumonia
  • Respiratory distress syndrome
  • Multi- organ failure

Q: What is the treatment of bird flu?

A: Treatment for H5N1 infection is essentially the same as for other influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs, some of which can be used for both treatment and prevention, are clinically effective against influenza A virus strains in otherwise healthy adults and children. Some of these treatments do have some limitations. Some of these drugs are also expensive and supplies are limited. It is still best to protect yourself from infection by keeping your body and your environment clean and sanitized.

Q: Is there a vaccine against bird flu?

A: No. The vaccine currently available against the circulating strains in humans will not protect from the disease caused by H5N1.