2 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
[ General ] [ Poultry, Wild birds, Animals ] [ Humans ]
This page provides answers to many of the most commonly asked questions on pandemic and avian influenza, including those from readers of this website.
General Questions
What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza (H5N1) - commonly called "bird flu" - is an infection caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally in birds. At this time, it is uncertain whether the H5N1 virus currently circulating in birds will lead to a global disease outbreak (pandemic) in humans.
What is pandemic influenza?
An influenza pandemic is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus appears or "emerges" in the human population, causes serious illness, and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide.
What is the difference between pandemic influenza and seasonal influenza?
Seasonal outbreaks (epidemics) are caused by subtypes of influenza viruses that are already in existence among people, whereas pandemic outbreaks are caused by new subtypes or by subtypes that have never circulated (spread) among people or that have not circulated among people for a long time. Past influenza pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss.
Why are we concerned?
We are concerned that the H5N1 virus could mutate and become readily transmissible from human-to-human and have a high death rate.
What is Santa Barbara doing to be prepared for pandemic influenza?
The Santa Barbara Public Health Department and its community partners are actively preparing for a pandemic influenza. For details on local preparedness activities, visit the Santa Barbara County Surveillance and Detection section of this site.
Poultry, Wild Birds, Animals
Have domestic or wild birds or other animals in the United States been infected with avian influenza (H5N1)?
There are currently no animal cases of H5N1 avian virus influenza in the U.S.
Avian influenza has been detected in wild and domestic birds and domestic and wild animals in other areas of the world.
For the most up-to-date information on H5N1 virus in animals, visit the World Organization for Animal Health.
Can I get avian influenza from wild birds?
If the avian influenza virus (H5N1) is present in a wild bird, it may be possible for a human to get the disease. However, there have been no known cases of humans getting avian influenza from wild birds. As of January 2006, avian influenza has not been identified in any wild or domestic bird in the United States.
The following websites provide guidelines for hunters and others who may come in contact with wild birds:
What should I do if I find a sick or dead bird?
Call the Public Health Department's Animal Services program.
- (805) 737-7755 - Lompoc
- (805) 681-5285 - Santa Barbara
- (805) 934-6119 - Santa Maria
Can I get avian influenza from chicken or eggs?
There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or eggs can be a source of infection for avian influenza viruses. For more information about avian influenza and food safety issues, visit the World Health Organization website. General food preparation and safety guidelines should be followed. This includes keeping all surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils you are using to prepare raw chicken and eggs separate from other food, such as salads and vegetables. Influenza viruses are destroyed by heat; therefore, as a precaution, all foods from poultry, including eggs and poultry blood, should be thoroughly cooked. The World Health Organization (WHO) website provides further guidelines.
I raise poultry, what do I need to know about avian influenza?
There are many strains of avian influenza viruses that can cause illness in poultry. The US Department of Agriculture and UC Davis have information and advice on how to keep your flocks safe.
What are the signs and symptoms of disease in poultry or pet birds?
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has a website with photos and information to help you evaluate your birds. http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/avian_health_program.htm
To report sick poultry, contact the CDFA at 1-800-491-1899 or 1-909-947-4462.
Symptoms of avian influenza in birds include:
The clinical signs of birds affected with avian influenza may show one or more of the following:
- Sudden death without clinical signs
- Lack of energy and appetite
- Decreased egg production
- Soft–shelled or misshapen eggs
- Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
- Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing, sneezing
- Lack of coordination
- Diarrhea
Can avian influenza infect cats or dogs?
Yes, avian influenza has been detected in cats and dogs. For more information visit the following Food and Agriculture Organization website.
www.fao.org/ag/againfo/subjects/en/health/diseases-cards/avian_cats.html
For further questions regarding avian influenza in poultry, wild birds, or animals, contact us via e-mail.
Human Cases Questions
Are there human cases of avian influenza in the U.S.?
There are currently no human cases of avian influenza in the U.S.
The World Health Organization provides current updates on the cumulative number of confirmed avian influenza (H5N1) cases.
The State of California is gathering information through bird testing for avian influenza and monitoring information on the spread of this disease throughout the world. Local physicians in our county have been asked to follow enhanced surveillance guidelines to screen for possible human cases of avian influenza in patients with severe flu and a recent history of travel to a country with avian influenza in birds. Read more on surveillance for human cases of avian influenza (H5N1) in California.
What can I do to prepare for pandemic influenza?
Currently there is no influenza pandemic, and globally we are in the pre-pandemic preparation phase. While the thought of a global disease outbreak may seem overwhelming, there are many things you can do to prepare for pandemic influenza and reduce your risk. Fortunately, these actions are similar to those recommended for any potential public health emergency and include the following steps:
- Get educated
- Protect your health
- Develop preparedness plans
Get Educated. Read about pandemic influenza and avian influenza from official sources and pay attention to stories in the media. Local officials will work with the media to deliver important messages to the public about any local health issues.
Protect your health. To defend yourself against illness, implement the following practices:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as much as possible;
- Stay away from people who are sick;
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing; and
- Get regular exercise, enough rest and eat healthy, balanced meals.
The CDC offers additional information on Stopping the Spread of Germs at Home, Work & School.
Develop preparedness plans. According to the federal government, "A pandemic is likely to be a prolonged and widespread outbreak that could require temporary changes in many areas of society, such as schools, work, transportation, and other public services. An informed and prepared public can take appropriate actions to decrease their risk during a pandemic." (Source: PandemicFlu.gov)
PandemicFlu.gov is the official U.S. government Web site for information on pandemic flu and avian influenza. Visit the PandemicFlu.gov Health & Safety page to access detailed information and preparedness tips for the following audiences:
During a pandemic, what precautions can I take to avoid the spread of avian influenza?
The same measures outlined above (get educated, protecting your health, and developing preparedness plans) are the same as those necessary to prevent its spread. As with other infectious illnesses, one of the most important preventive practices is careful and frequent hand washing. Cleaning your hands often, especially after sneezing or coughing, using soap and water, or applying waterless alcohol-based hand rubs removes potentially infectious materials from your skin and helps prevent the spread of diseases.
General food preparation and safety guidelines should also be followed. Influenza viruses are destroyed by heat; therefore, as a precaution, all foods from poultry, including eggs and poultry blood, should be thoroughly cooked.
Can I get a flu vaccine for avian influenza?
At this time vaccines are only available for the seasonal, or common, flu.
There currently is no commercially available vaccine to protect humans against the H5N1 virus that is being seen in Asia and Europe. However, vaccine development efforts are taking place. Research studies to test a vaccine to protect humans against H5N1 virus began in April 2005, and a series of clinical trials is underway. For more information about the H5N1 vaccine development process, visit the National Institutes of Health Web site.
For further questions regarding avian influenza in human cases, contact us via e-mail.
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