Avian Influenza Larry Hollis D V M M

Avian Influenza Larry Hollis, D. V. M. , M. Ag. Scott Beyer, Ph. D. Karen Blakeslee, M. S. Pat Melgares, Marketing

Avian Influenza n n n Influenza A Low pathogenicity forms (LPAI) High pathogenicity forms (HPAI) 16 Hemagluttinin (H) subtypes 9 Neuraminidase (N) subtypes Designated HXNX

Avian Influenza n Only H 5 and H 7 subtypes are known to contain highly pathogenic strains

Avian Influenza n n n Usually low pathogenicity form in poultry Usually highly species-specific Seen occasionally in swine

Avian Influenza n n 2003 poultry outbreaks that started spreading country-to-country H 5 N 1

Poultry Cases 2003 n Laos n Malaysia n Korea n Japan 2004 n Laos n (Malaysia) n (Korea) n (Japan) Pub. Med Online

Poultry Cases 2005 n Cambodia n China n Indonesia n Kazakhstan n Mongolia n Romania n Russia n Thailand n Turkey n Vietnam

Poultry or Waterfowl Cases 2006 n Albania n Afghanistan n Austria n Azerbaijan n Bulgaria n Cameroon n Denmark n Egypt n France n Germany n n n n n Greece Hungary India Iran Iraq Israel Italy Jordan Myanmar Nigeria n n n Palestine Pakistan Slovenia

Avian Influenza n Over 300 million domestic birds dead or destroyed

Migratory Waterfowl n Many migratory birds from affected regions are now carrying the H 5 N 1 virus

Commercial Bird Transportation

Bird Smuggling National Geographic

Human Cases n n Over 232 human cases China, SE Asia and Indonesia WHO, as of July 26, 2006

Human Cases n n Over 50% mortality rate (134/232*) Linked to direct contact with infected birds, primarily during slaughter *WHO, as of July 26, 2006

Human Threat n H 5 N 1 genetic mutation that spreads as respiratory infection in humans, resulting in a world-wide pandemic

Pandemic Requirements 1. New influenza subtype emerges 2. It infects humans, causing serious illness 3. It spreads easily and sustainably among humans

Spreading Easily and Sustainably Between Humans Requires: n Genetic reassortment between avian and human influenza viruses or n Adaptive mutation whereby avian virus learns to attach to human cells

Becoming Pandemic n n n H 5 N 1 virus appears to be more pathogenic today than just a few years ago Expanding its host range, especially into more mammalian species Starting to see large migratory waterfowl die-offs

Prevention n Care should be taken to avoid contact with live, well-appearing, sick, or dead poultry and with any surfaces that may have been contaminated by poultry or their feces or secretions

Prevention n Avoid places such as poultry farms and bird markets where live poultry are raised or kept

Prevention n Careful and frequent handwashing is the best defense!

Prevention n Handwashing tips • Wash before and after handing raw poultry and game birds • Wash hands after handing pets • Soap and warm/hot water, at least 20 seconds • Waterless alcohol-based hand gels n Use only as a supplement to handwashing

Prevention n Thawing frozen poultry and game birds • Thaw in the refrigerator • Thaw in microwave, then cook immediately • Thaw under cold running water, then cook immediately

Prevention n Influenza viruses are destroyed by heat • Cook all poultry and game birds to 165°F • Cook all eggs and egg dishes to 160°F

Prevention n Avoid cross-contamination • Keep raw poultry and game bird meat and juices away from ready-to-eat foods • Do not wash raw poultry and game bird meat n Splattered water can spread bacteria

Prevention n Clean and Sanitize • Wash knives, cutting board, and countertops after cutting raw poultry n Use hot, soapy water • Sanitize cutting boards and countertops with a bleach solution n 1 teaspoon bleach per 1 quart water

Prevention n Human vaccines are being developed and tested in several countries

What is Kansas Doing? n Gov. Kathleen Sebelius held a planning summit on May 31 • See the plan at www. kdheks. gov/flu/pandemic_influenza_links. htm • Click on… “Kansas Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan”

What is K-State Research and Extension Doing? n n Partnerships with state agencies Active Web site • www. avianflu. ksu. edu • Planning and preparedness checklists • Fact sheets • Supporting local Extension efforts

Information Updates Animal and Human Health Issues n K-State Research and Extension’s risk communications team is monitoring avian influenza • www. avianflu. ksu. edu n The U. S. government is maintaining an active Web site • www. avianflu. gov

Thank you!