Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Information
There are no cases of bird flu in Wisconsin or the United States at this
time. We are actively looking for human cases in Wisconsin and have plans in place to
respond, if necessary. Currently, there is no imminent threat to Wisconsin
since there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human spread of the bird flu in
other parts of the world. It is difficult to predict if the bird flu virus will become a
pandemic, but Wisconsin has plans in place to respond to a possible influenza
pandemic, regardless of the source. You may also visit pandemic.wisconsin.gov
for more information.
On this page:
What is Avian Influenza ("Bird flu")?
Avian flu is caused by avian influenza viruses. The current strain of avian flu that is occurring is called
H5N1and is now circulating in Africa, Asia, Europe,
and the Middle East. These flu viruses occur naturally among
birds and they carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do
not get sick from them. However, bird flu is very contagious among
birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks,
and turkeys very sick and can kill them.
Why should we be concerned about a virus that infects
birds?
The avian flu strain causing the outbreak can
spread from birds to people and cause serious illness and even death.
There is a chance that the virus could mutate to a new flu virus that
spreads easily from person to person. Because infections with new human
flu strains can't be prevented by the annual flu vaccine, no one will
be immune to the virus and making a safe vaccine that can prevent
infection with a new human virus can take months to manufacture.
How is the disease spread?
Birds act as hosts to influenza viruses by carrying the virus in
their intestines and shedding it in bodily fluids, such as saliva,
nasal secretions and feces. Other birds become infected when they come
in contact with these fluids. Humans can become infected through
contact with infected poultry or these contaminated fluids.
What are the symptoms of avian influenza in people?
Symptoms of avian influenza in humans range from typical
influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches)
to eye infections, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, viral
pneumonia and other severe and life-threatening complications.
Is the bird flu going to cause a pandemic?
The virus circulating in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East has not mutated to a point where it could
easily spread from person-to-person and it's difficult to predict if -
or when - that might happen, or if it will result in an influenza
pandemic. The people who have gotten the bird flu in those areas of the
world have
been in direct contact with infected birds.
How is avian influenza in humans treated?
Health care providers will tell patients how to treat their
illness, depending on the severity of their symptoms. Treatment
may include hospitalization, supportive care and/or the use of
antivirals. Studies have shown that the one antiviral drug called Tamiflu
(oseltamivir) may possibly protect against the H5N1 strain of
influenza.
Is it safe to eat chicken or turkey?
Yes, it is safe to eat poultry that has been fully cooked. General
precautions should always be taken when handling any raw meat,
including raw eggs, to avoid possibly spreading germs. These measures
include:
- Washing hands and surfaces before and after food preparation.
- Avoiding using the same utensils on raw meat as on other foods,
even cooked meat.
- Cooking raw meat thoroughly.
Note: The U.S. bans imports of poultry from areas where birds
are infected within the H5N1 bird flu virus.
Traveling to Southeast Asia or to countries that have
reported positive cases of avian influenza?
All external hyperlinks are provided for your information
and for the benefit of the general public. The Department of
Health and Family Services does not testify to, sponsor, or
endorse the accuracy of the information provided on externally
linked pages.
Additional Resources on Avian (Bird) Flu
(exit DHFS)
Last Revised: October 19, 2007 |
