WHO Epi Report
- From: "Bob Sims" <bobsims@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: 13 Oct 2005 10:44:03 -0700
Avian influenza - new areas with infection in birds - update 34
13 October 2005
Tests conducted by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) have
today confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza
in samples taken from domestic birds in Turkey.
In Romania, investigations of recent poultry deaths have, to date,
identified the H5 subtype of avian influenza virus. Further testing is
under way to determine the strain and whether the virus is highly
pathogenic. Authorities in the two countries have undertaken control
measures as recommended by OIE and FAO. WHO is sending diagnostic
reagents and other supplies to support testing in national
laboratories.
Viruses from both outbreaks have been sent for further analysis to the
Central Veterinary Laboratory Agency-Weybridge (UK), which is an
OIE/FAO
reference laboratory. Viruses are also being sent to WHO reference
laboratories for comparison with human H5N1 isolates from Asia.
Public health implications
The spread of H5N1 to poultry in new areas is of concern as it
increases
opportunities for further human cases to occur. However, all evidence
to
date indicates that the H5N1 virus does not spread easily from birds to
infect humans. WHO advises countries experiencing outbreaks in poultry
to follow certain precautions, particularly during culling operations,
and to monitor persons with a possible exposure history for fever or
respiratory symptoms. The early symptoms of H5N1 infection mimic those
of many other common respiratory illnesses, meaning that false alarms
are likely.
The WHO level of pandemic alert remains unchanged at phase 3: a virus
new to humans is causing infections, but does not spread easily from
one
person to another.
WHO continues to recommend that travellers to areas experiencing
outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 in poultry should avoid contact
with
live animal markets and poultry farms. Large amounts of the virus are
known to be excreted in the droppings from infected birds. Populations
in affected countries are advised to avoid contact with dead migratory
birds or wild birds showing signs of disease.
Direct contact with infected poultry, or surfaces and objects
contaminated by their droppings, is considered the main route of human
infection. Exposure risk is considered highest during slaughter,
defeathering, butchering, and preparation of poultry for cooking. There
is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or poultry products can be
a
source of infection.
Countries located along migratory routes need to be vigilant for signs
of disease in wild and domestic birds. Recent events make it likely
that
some migratory birds are now implicated in the direct spread of the
H5N1
virus in its highly pathogenic form.
.
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