Questions And Answers About Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)

Bird Flu is an infectious disease of birds that can also affect people. It can present mild or severe forms of illness. The only subtype that can cause severe illness to people is Influenza A /H5N1 virus, initially it affects chickens, ducks and other birds by the process of mutation they can become highly pathogenic. Because highly pathogenic viruses can survive for long periods in tissue, water and in the environment, especially when temperatures are low is transmitted very easily in chickens and other birds through direct contact with feces and secretions from infected birds, eggs, feed, water, cages equipment, vehicles and clothing. The virus is excreted orally and in feces 10 days if the bird survives. Domestic birds can get infected when they roam freely or share water supply with other birds. The virus may be transported from farm to farm with contaminated equipment, vehicles, feeds, cages, or clothing, especially shoes. Luckily, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission and through cooked chicken meat. But particles of discharges with the bird avian flu inhaled in market, poultry, surfaces and aerosols are very dangerous.Avian influenza affects chickens and the poultry industry, recombined with the human influenza viruses form a totally new influenza virus to which people do not have protection that spreads in the population and that causes serious illness and death in humans.

Signs and symptoms of bird flu in chickens: Infection determines many symptoms from mild illnesses to highly contagious and severe epidemics. Among them a decline in activity and in egg production, facial swelling and bluish-violet colored combs and wattles, diarrhea, hemorrhages, paralysis, sudden deaths.

Signs and symptoms of bird flu in humans are similar to other influenza viruses: sore throat and cough, fever, muscle weakness and/or pain with complications such as: severe viral pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, multi- organ failure.

How to make a differential diagnostic between avian influenza, pneumonia or any other respiratory illness?

A laboratory and epidemiologic confirmation of the bird flu infection is needed and details required such as patient had direct or indirect contact with sick chickens or other birds.Treatments of bird flu are antiviral drugs, but some of these drugs are expensive and supplies are limited.

To prevent recombination of avian with the human influenza virus: is recommended a vaccine used against circulating strains in humans to those exposed to bird flu. Even better is recommended the prevention: to cease importating of live chickens and other poultry products from countries affected with bird flu, avoid contact of poultry with wild birds, proper hand washing and cleaning and disinfection procedures in poultries. Report to authorities any unusual death or illness of chickens other birds or humans. The rest of us should: wash hands with soap and water before and after handling chicken meat. Cook chicken well, not to let chickens roam freely, do not place chickens, ducks and pigs together in one area. Local Government Officials should: apprehend illegal trading of poultry, not allowing chickens to roam freely, correctly informate the community, advise public not to catch, get near or keep in captivity wild birds.

For more information about bird flu or even about symptoms of bird flu please review this page http://www.bird-flu-info-center.com/symptoms-of-bird-flu.htm

General Information Regarding Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

The World Health Organization (WHO) makes reports and updates regarding new human cases of infection with bird flu. The only subtype that can cause severe illness to people is Influenza A /H5N1 virus, initially it affects chickens, ducks and other birds by the process of mutation they can become highly pathogenic. Because highly pathogenic viruses can survive for long periods in tissue, water and in the environment, especially when temperatures are low is transmitted very easily in chickens and other birds through direct contact with feces and secretions from infected birds, eggs, feed, water, cages equipment, vehicles and clothing. Public health authorities monitor human illnesses associated with avian influenza. In Hong-Kong occured for the first time infection both in humans and poultry and were killed about 1.5 million chickens.

In China and Hong-Kong avian influenza A (H9N2) virus infection affected two children who recovered. The source was unknown, but suspected the poultry.

In Virginia, 2002 an outbreak of H7N2 among poultry was descovered but,with no human victims. Canada, 2004: human infections among poultry workers with H7N3.

Thailand and Vietnam human infections with H5N1. Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Turkey, 2006: Human infections with H5N1 occurred as a result of contact with infected poultry and with infected death swangs. Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, 2005 two persons have been infected with H5N1 as result of consuming uncooked duck blood. China two cases of patogenic infections with avian influenza A (H5N1) have been confirmed in a family travelling through China. Netherlands, 2003 were reported outbreaks of influenza A (H7N7) in several farms, after which in pigs and people, 90 people were confrmed with bird flu virus H7N7 in association with cases of eye conjunctivitis, one death occured at a veterinarian with acute respiratory distress syndrome and other complications after having direct contact with infected poultry. In New York, 2003 there has been registered one case a patient with respiratory symptoms which recovered in few weeks and tests confirmed it had been avian influenza A (H7N2) virus. Signs and symptoms of bird flu in humans are similar to other influenza viruses: sore throat and cough, fever, muscle weakness and/or pain, eye infections, with life-threatening complications such as: severe viral pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, multi- organ failure.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests the following antiviral agents supposed to prevent and treat avian influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir, and zanamivir. They may be not always effective it has been demonstrated that viruses are resistent to amantadine and rimantadine. In the United States they are not in use any more for the treatment or prevention (prophylaxis) of influenza A. Specialists are monitoring the resistence of avian influenza A viruses to influenza antiviral medications.

For more information about bird flu or even about bird flu vaccine please review this page http://www.bird-flu-info-center.com/bird-flu-vaccine.htm

Tamiflu- the most preferred drug for bird flu

Bird flu might have disappeared from the news recently but the likelihood of a human pandemic has not retreated along with media interest in the story. Avian influenza or bird flu is more like a viral infection. The beginning of bird flu starts with symptoms like coughing, nose and throat infection accompanied with high fever and irritating aches and pains. Bird flu clearly differentiate itself from a minor viral infection through its area of influence hence the medication and plan of treatment is totally different.

H5n1 is the active strain that causes avian influenza or bird flu. It is commonly present in the gut of the wild migratory birds but due to their natural resistance it does not have any effect on them. When wild and domestic stocks mix the strain passes over to domestic poultry, it turns fatal. This has been clearly indicated by recent large scale outbreaks in china and other south East Asian countries.

Some of the suggested ways to take care of, while suffering from influenza are: taking a proper rest, consuming a lot of fluids which ultimately help us avoid dehydration and taking pain relievers to get a temporary relief from the effects of flu. To give relief from influenza tamiflu was introduced. Tami flu (oseltamivir phosphate) attacks the influenza virus and stops it from spreading inside your body is an FDA approved anti-flu drug providing a healthier and safer life to the majority of people suffering from influenza.

Tami flu belongs to the family of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. These medications help in attacking the influenza virus and prevent it from spreading inside your body. Some of the most noted and effective drugs against bird flu are amantadine, relenza, rimantadine and tamiflu. Out of all these tamiflu has been acclaimed as the number one doctor prescribed flu medicine in the last flu season. Due to its unbeatable results and performance tamiflu continues to be the only preferred medicine for the treatment of bird flu.

Roche, the maker of tamiflu confirms that oral anti-influenza drug tamiflu (oseltamivir) could be effective in the treatment and post-contact prevention of avian influenza that is circulating in the Far East therefore tamiflu and bird flu are associated with each other. Tamiflu helps in reducing common flu and bird flu symptoms such as weakness, headache, fever, cough, and sore throat by 1 day. Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) has also been shown to prevent influenza infection if you have come into close contact with someone who has the flu. Tamiflu, one of the most sought after drug for treating flu is the only antiviral drug available in the United States for both the treatment and prevention of the most common strains of influenza types A and B.

The flu drug belongs to the latest breed of the neuraminidase inhibitor (NI) class of medicines designed specifically to prevent the influenza virus from spreading and infecting other cells. It is immensely effective against all common strains of influenza (types A and B). The medication targets one of two major surface structures on the influenza virus - the neuraminidase protein. The neuraminidase protein is virtually the same in all common strains of influenza. If neuraminidase is inhibited, the virus is not able to infect new cells.

Tamiflu dosage will be different for different patients. You're required to follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of tamiflu. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. For adults 75 milligrams (mg) two times a day for five days.

For children of 1 year of age or older the dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. It is usually between 30 and 75 mg two times a day for five days. For children up to 1 year of age, use and dose is determined by the doctor. For adults and for teenagers of 13 years of age or older the prescribed dose is 75 mg once a day for at least seven days. For children up to 13 years of age use and dose is determined by the doctor.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. More common side effects may include diarrhea; nausea and vomiting. These events were generally of mild to moderate degree and usually occurred on the first 2 days of administration. Other tamiflu side effects include abdominal or stomach pain; bloody nose or unexplained nosebleeds (occurs mainly in children); burning, dry or itching eyes, redness, pain, swelling of eye or eyelid, or excessive tearing (occurs mainly in children); cough; dizziness; ear disorder (occurs mainly in children); fatigue; headache; trouble in sleeping. Some side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Tamiflu has been tested in a pre-clinical setting against a wide range of influenza virus strains. Despite the lack of clinical data, these pre-clinical findings provide reassurance that tamiflu is the best medicine against bird flu.

The author is an amateur writer focusing primarily on health related topics or on the health related research findings. For more information on Tamiflu, visit http://www.arrestflu.com

Dogs and Cats Killed in an Attempt to Thwart a Bird Flu Outbreak

Officials began the slaughter on Tuesday. Park Kyung-hee, an Iksan city official, indicated the culling would include 677 dogs raised on a farm for their meat and 300 pigs. Numbers of other dogs and cats including pets to be exterminated were not estimated. The culling will go so far as to kill even the mice in the area.

The World Health Organization has confirmed 253 human cases of bird flu resulting in 153 deaths, a staggering 59% death toll. To date there has been no documented evidence to suggest that the H5N1 form of bird flu can be spread to humans by dogs, cats or pigs.

It is clear however that pig to human transmission of seasonal flu occurs and authorities are being cautious. Most animals that have become infected are believed to have acquired the virus by eating infected raw birds or poultry. Cats are known to be able to spread the infection to other cats and it is believed that at least some of the tiger deaths have been due to tiger to tiger transmission as well.

Kim Chang an official with the health ministry said that other Southeast Asian countries also cull dogs, pigs and cats, but just haven?t publicized it. Kim stated that all mammals are potentially a source of the virus and that South Korea was just trying to take all precautionary measures to contain the virus.

European countries have issued guidelines to pet owners in areas where exposure to bird flu may occur. Recommendations include keeping cats indoors and dogs on leash. Bird flu is known to be present in bird excrement and carcasses both of which should be avoided.

One of the often unappreciated dangers of the H5N1 version of avian influenza is its? ability to infect many non-avian species. This broad host spectrum is something that?s not common amongst flu viruses. Cats for example are usually not infected with influenza A viruses.

H5N1 has been associated with death in many mammalian species including, dogs, cats, pigs, ferrets, tigers, snow leopards and fox. According to the Center for Disease Control other mammals may be susceptible as well. The virus is continually evolving and appears to be expanding its? host range.

Studying the evolution of H5N1 Dr Kawaoka, of the University of Wisconsin, has found isolates of the virus from humans that have acquired two mutations that make them better suited to infecting humans. He said, ?We are watching this virus turn itself into a human pathogen.?

The tragic death of dogs and cats in Korea has stirred the hearts of many and made headlines. This drastic action serves as wakeup call to prepare and protect our loved ones including the furry ones. The time to act though is now as a much larger tragedy will ensue if the virus continues to evolve to a pandemic strain.

Tracy Ferea, Ph.D. is a published scientist whose research at Stanford focused on evolution of genomes. She writes for Bird Flu Smart, http://www.birdflusmart.com, to increase the general publics understanding of the risk of a bird flu pandemic. Bird Flu Smart?s mission is to prepare the public for a pandemic by providing both information and products that increase the level of preparedness http://birdflusmart.com/products.html

All The Secrets You Need To Know About The Asian Bird Flu

There is a deadly disease that has and still is sweeping nations across South East Asia. It's now beginning to be known as the Asian bird flu. So what is it and how does it affect people? Well the Asian bird flu is a virus that is spread by birds, hence the name bird flu. It's a type of influenza virus that can spread like wildfire when given the opportunity.

So you're wondering how Asian bird flu is contracted by humans if it's a strand of influenza that only affects birds? Well unfortunately, bird flu is like many other strands of influenza being that it has the potential to mutate into other strands when placed in the right environment. This of course has occurred many times and has resulted in catastrophic proportions on the human population.

Recent Breakouts Of The Asian Bird Flu

The most recent breakouts have occurred in South East Asia and more particularly Indonesia, where many people died in a very short period of time. Luckily modern medicine is far more adept at treating influenza viruses these days. If the same breakout had have happened back at the beginning of the 20th century many more people would have died and its potential to spread across countries would have been greater. This of course did happen several times nearly 100 years ago and many people lost their lives.

What Can We To Prevent Something Like The Asian Bird Flu From Occurring

Well first of all measurements are being taken to prevent poultry from becoming infected in the first place. Poultry farms are usually the beginning of any outbreak. Why? Well, poultry like chicken and ducks sometimes become infected by wild birds who of course contain an antibody that protects them from the Asian bird flu. This of course doesn't mean they still can't carry the virus and when a bird kept in captivity comes in contact with a carrying wild bird, it then becomes infected. That bird then passes it onto the rest of the birds on the farm and before you know it, there's an epidemic.

If this happens, there is usually a mass culling of poultry to prevent any chance of Asian bird flu spreading any further. Unfortunately in many cases, infected chicken is sold to consumers and that's where it can become a problem for people. The virus has the potential to mutate into a disease that harmful for humans and that can also be spread from human to human.

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It Is A Must To Identify The Early Symptoms Of Bird Flu

Some of the bird flu symptoms are identified. As regards the other symptoms the usual guess work is going on. In birds, the virus H5N1 causes diarrhea, excessive shedding, a swollen head and difficulty in breathing.

?but how will you take note of these symptoms unless you are a bird expert?

Some more symptoms are, fever, sore throat, muscle ache, chest pain, lethargy, cough and headache. If the infection has taken a serious turn in you, the following symptoms would indicate the state:

eye infections
acute respiratory problems
pneumonia
inflammation of the heart
inflammation in the brain.

Immediate hospitalization in the case of severe symptoms is not only advisable but absolutely necessary. Human to human help is most welcome in most of the adversaries, but not at this time when your H5N1 virus is waiting for the opportune moment to take hold of the person who is coming to help you.

So, avoid all contacts and let a trained health worker handle the precious cargo!

This virus is actually found in the bird's intestines. Even in the birds, the symptoms are not severe as such. But the way in which the birds are handled in the poultry farms (they are packed closely together with chicken and turkeys) helps the cause of rapid spread of bird flu.

A general alert was sounded in health circles all over the world, when the mutated variety of the bird flu virus, H5N1 showed its teeth. That was in the year 2003. The infected poultry led to several human infections. About 50 % of the affected died. The other 50% turned temporary vegetarians and inspired many others to follow the suit.

The mode of infection is simple. Come into contact with the bird?s saliva, face or nasal secretions and you certainly have it instantly. The other birds which come into similar contacts have no chance of survival. As for human beings, if protective measures are not taken, become susceptible to the disease.

To get more information on bird flu, bird flu symptoms and bird flu prevention visit http://www.isitbirdflu.com/

How's and Why's Of Bird Flu Attack

Bird flu attacked many Nations. How and why it actually happened no one knows! The speed with which it spread all over the world was a mystery and confusion confounded. With its universal ?influence? it crippled many, without the distinction of race, color and nationality.

This bird-flu has the capacity to make such a big kill, the casualties of World War I and II put together will be a kindergarten stuff before the possible number of deaths due to bird flu.

With the drugs, antibiotics and vaccines developed so far to combat bird flu having proved ineffective, the alternative is now to search whether the nature has in store some natural herbs. If they are there, how to make their effective use is another matter for the researchers and scientists.

Can the Governments do something for the people to provide a protective cover in such emergent situations? What could do they do during Hurricane Katrina? At the time of Tsunami? That was just a small fraction of the world that was affected. What if the whole world were to be engulfed in bird flu?

Many Nations are at present attacked by bird flu but the damage is limited. As of now, the disease is not transmitted from human to human. Millions of birds and fowl are culled and destroyed in a desperate effort to contain it. But the virus of bird flu is evolving and changing. Sooner or later it will not spare the human beings, why should it? And why should the Nature come to the rescue? Have you been kind to the nature? We continue to exploit it to the hilt! Less said the better about the treatment human beings mete out to the animal kingdom!

The answer to the specific question-how did bird flu happen, I know will draw blank responses from you. I don't blame you. Human history, for that matter human health history is full off such ambiguities. But the projections about the possible consequence of a mass attack of bird-flu will be catastrophic! None has the solution. Nature has varied methods of population control. And when it uses those methods, it uses them ruthlessly.

It is indeed a no-win win situation. The question would no more be how did bird flu happen, the question then would be why did bird flu happen??

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