Although the latest strain of avian influenza, H5N1, has not been detected in the United States, an LSU AgCenter poultry specialist says bird owners should do all they can to protect their flocks.
"There is no treatment, so prevention is the key," said Dr. Theresia Lavergne of the LSU AgCenter’s Animal Sciences Department. "This strain of the flu has not been detected in the United States, and there has not been a highly pathogenic strain in the United States for more than 20 years – and that strain was eliminated."
Information from the Centers for Disease Control shows avian influenza, or bird flu, is an infection carried by birds. The CDC says bird flu viruses do not ordinarily affect humans – although officials point out there have been limited cases of human infection. The viruses are contagious among wild and domesticated birds.
The viruses are transmitted from bird to bird through direct contact with secretions, especially feces, from infected birds. The disease can also be transmitted if birds come in contact with contaminated feed, water, equipment and clothing. In addition, waterfowl and sea birds may introduce the virus to flocks, and broken contaminated eggs may infect chicks in an incubator.
Hunting Safety
LSU AgCenter hunting safety specialist Dr. Don Reed said hunters should use precautions when cleaning wild game.
"Migratory waterfowl, especially wild ducks, are natural reservoirs for many strains of the avian influenza virus," Reed said. "But they are very resistant to the infection, which means they seldom die from the disease.
"As a precaution, I would recommend that when cleaning and dressing any game animal, hunters should wear rubber gloves – and not just when cleaning ducks but any wild game including deer, rabbits and so on."
According to Reed, there are still questions as to how the virus is passed from animals to humans.
"But direct contact with infected animals, whether dead or alive, is the most likely transmission method," he said. "Wearing gloves when cleaning or dressing wild game is important to help cut down on the possibility of contracting any disease."
Because there is no treatment for the virus in birds, Lavergne says poultry owners should take certain steps to ensure their flocks do not become contaminated.
Follow These Steps
Those steps include:
- Avoiding contact between poultry and wild birds, waterfowl in particular.
- Avoiding the introduction of birds of unknown disease status into a flock.
- Controlling human traffic in areas where poultry are kept.
- Following stringent cleaning and disinfecting procedures.
Lavergne also recommends using an "all-in, all-out" breeding program – where just one age group of poultry is found on a particular farm.
Although the disease has not been detected in Louisiana, Lavergne said poultry growers should constantly monitor their flocks for avian flu. She stresses that an outbreak of the disease could prove disastrous to Louisiana poultry growers, as well as growers across the United States.
In the event of an outbreak, Lavergne said it will be necessary to slaughter all birds in the infected flocks. It also will be necessary to dispose of all carcasses and all animal products, as well as cleaning and disinfecting the area.
"On top of that, should an outbreak occur, producers will have to allow at least 21 days to pass before restocking," Lavergne said.
Avian influenza viruses do not usually infect humans, Lavergne said.
Information from the World Health Organization shows the risk of a person developing bird flu generally is low because the viruses occur mainly among birds and do not usually infect humans. During an outbreak of bird flu among domesticated chickens, ducks and turkeys, however, there is a possible risk to people who have had contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with excretions from infected birds, according to officials.
The World Health Organization cautions people to avoid contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces and to be careful when handling and cooking poultry.
Prevent Flu’s Spread
Viruses that cause colds and influenza are generally spread from person to person when infected droplets from coughing or sneezing land on inanimate objects. Touching these objects and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes can lead to infection. Follow these precautions from the LSU Student Health Service:
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
- Keep your hands away from your nose and eyes.
- Don’t shake hands with others, if you have a cold or the flu.
- Use disposable tissues instead of cloth handkerchiefs to keep from reinfecting yourself.
- Throw contaminated tissues in the trash; don’t put them on desks, mouse pads or other surfaces that someone else may touch.
- Disinfect common, shared objects such as your computer mouse and keyboard, telephone, TV remote control.
- Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze.
- Don’t share drinks or eating utensils.