Frequently asked questions
- What is Avian Influenza?
- What kinds of birds does avian influenza infect?
- What are the different kinds of avian influenza?
- What is the difference between “low pathogenic” and “high pathogenic” avian influenza?
- Do we have avian influenza viruses in the United States?
- Do we have avian influenza viruses in New Mexico?
- What is unique about the H5N1 virus currently circulating in Asia?
- How have people gotten infected with the H5N1 virus?
- Does the virus travel easily from birds to humans?
- How is an avian influenza outbreak among birds different than an influenza pandemic?
- What is the risk of the H5N1 virus currently circulating in Asia to cause a worldwide pandemic?
- How is H5N1 spreading in Asia?
- What is the risk of H5N1 arriving in New Mexico?
- If I see a dead bird in New Mexico, is it likely to have bird flu?
- What can I do to protect myself from bird flu?
- Is it safe to hunt, field dress and eat wild game birds?
- Is it safe to cook and eat chicken, other poultry and eggs?
- Are my pet birds at risk for the H5N1 avian flu?
- I have a neighbor who feeds and attracts lots of birds/pigeons. Am I at increased risk for the H5N1 avian flu?
- Can the government stop people from feeding birds?
- I have a dead bird in my yard. Can I have it tested for the H5N1 avian flu?
- Can I get the H5N1 avian flu from pigeon droppings?
- My pet dog/cat brought a dead bird into my house. Can my pet dog or cat get sick from avian flu?
- Will the human seasonal influenza virus vaccine protect me against bird flu?
- What are the symptoms of “bird flu” in people?
- I am feeling sick. Can I be tested for the H5N1 avian flu?
- Should I be stockpiling Tamiflu® or other antivirals to protect myself against bird flu or pandemic influenza?
- What is the risk of H5N1 arriving in New Mexico?
- What are the symptoms of “bird flu” in people?
- Will the human seasonal influenza virus vaccine protect me against bird flu?
What is avian influenza and “bird flu”?
Like humans, birds have naturally occurring influenza (flu) viruses. There are numerous types of avian influenza viruses that are carried by wild bird species throughout the world, but these viruses usually do not cause disease in these birds. Occasionally, some of these viruses can infect domestic birds such as poultry, but typically we do not see direct transmission of avian influenza viruses from birds to humans. “Bird flu” is a non-scientific term that refers to a specific virus (H5N1) that has been present in domestic birds in Asia since 1997. It has caused outbreaks of disease in poultry throughout SE Asia, Africa, and Europe. Millions of birds have died or have been culled due to the disease. This particular virus has also been associated with some human infections.
What kinds of birds does avian influenza infect?
Naturally occurring avian influenza viruses in wild birds are generally associated with waterfowl (ducks and geese), gulls, and some species of shore birds and typically do not cause illness in these birds. The viruses occasionally “jump” from these wild birds to domestic birds such as chickens, quail and turkeys. In some cases these viruses can cause severe disease in domestic birds, but in general this requires viral adaptations that occur over time in domestic bird populations. This is the case with the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus (“bird flu”) that has been circulating in domestic birds in Asia at least since 1997. Although this virus probably originated in wild birds, it has mutated and adapted to domestic poultry.
What are the different kinds of avian influenza?
There are many different subtypes of type A influenza viruses, all of which can be found in birds. These subtypes differ because of changes in certain proteins on the surface of the virus. There are 16 known subtypes of hemagglutinin (H) proteins and 9 known subtypes of neuraminidase (N) proteins. Many different combinations of these proteins are possible with each combination producing a different subtype. These subtypes are found naturally in wild birds.
What is the difference between “low pathogenic” and “high pathogenic” avian influenza?
In domestic poultry, infection with avian influenza viruses causes two main forms of the disease, distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence. “Low pathogenic” avian influenza (LPAI) forms cause only mild symptoms (ruffled feathers, drop in egg production) and may be undetected in a flock. The “high pathogenic” avian influenza (HPAI) can spread rapidly in poultry flocks and cause severe disease and high mortality in a matter of hours. Other strains of avian influenza occur naturally in wild bird populations. There is even a North American strain of low pathogenic H5N1 that has recently been found in wild birds in several states while conducting routine surveillance and testing. This strain of avian influenza does not appear to make any wild birds sick and it is not a threat to human health.
Do we have avian influenza viruses in the United States?
Yes, avian influenza viruses are found in wild bird populations in North America and occasionally infect domestic poultry. For example, in 2004 outbreaks of avian influenza in US poultry occurred in the New England states and Texas, and were traced to birds from live bird markets. These outbreaks were not caused by the same "bird flu" virus (H5N1) that is currently circulating in Asia. The U.S. outbreaks were quickly contained and there was no impact on human health. To date, the H5N1 “bird flu” virus has not been detected in the U.S. or any country in the western hemisphere. Due to recent increased surveillance in both wild birds and poultry, many states have found various low pathogen avian influenza strains in wild birds. These strains are no threat to human health.
Do we have avian influenza viruses in New Mexico?
Avian influenza viruses occur naturally in wild bird populations, but we have not had any recent outbreaks in domestic poultry. Furthermore, New Mexico does not have live bird markets like those associated with outbreaks in other states.
What is unique about the H5N1 virus currently circulating in Asia?
The H5N1 virus has been uniquely difficult to control in Southeast Asian poultry flocks. Despite the depopulation (euthanasia) and vaccination of millions of domestic birds in affected countries, the virus continues to spread to other domestic birds. In addition, the H5N1 virus spreading among birds in Asia has caused illness in over 272 people and resulted in 166 deaths (as of Feb. 2007). The infection of humans with an H5 virus is rare; the influenza viruses that normally infect humans are H1 and H3 subtypes, specifically H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2. Another unique aspect of the H5N1 (“bird flu”) virus is that it has caused wild bird mortality. This is unprecedented, and it is not known whether these infections are from wild bird contact with infected poultry or if it is actually being transmitted by wild birds. Numerous studies are ongoing to help answer this question.
How have people gotten infected with the H5N1 virus?
Infected birds shed large numbers of virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and feces. Human illness has resulted from direct contact with birds and their feces or with environments contaminated with infected bird feces. In areas that have had human illness with the H5N1 virus it is fairly common to have chickens roaming free and potentially contaminating the environment. Children who play in a contaminated environment have been at risk of infection. In addition, because families often depend upon these birds for income and sustenance, they often butcher sick birds and consume them. Hand butchering sick birds exposes people to high levels of the virus. Sustained human-to-human spread of the H5N1 virus has not occurred. All human cases of H5N1 infections have been restricted to Asia and Africa.
Does the virus travel easily from birds to humans?
No, the number of people that have become ill with bird flu is very small considering the size and duration of the outbreak among domestic birds and the large number of persons who have been exposed.
How is an avian influenza outbreak among birds different than an influenza pandemic?
An influenza outbreak among birds occurs when the virus causes serious illness or death and is spread from bird to bird. If the avian virus is contagious to people, then humans may inadvertently become infected due to exposure to sick birds. An influenza pandemic can occur when the avian virus infecting humans changes and then spreads easily from person to person. This results in an epidemic over a wide geographical area, usually over more than one continent, or a pandemic.
What is the risk of the H5N1 virus currently circulating in Asia to cause a worldwide pandemic?
Influenza viruses are constantly changing over time. The H5N1 virus could become a pandemic strain in one of two ways: 1) it could exchange genetic material from a human flu virus and acquire the ability to easily transmit between people; or 2) it could mutate over time and adapt to human cells. This second process would likely happen over the course of several years.
How is H5N1 spreading?
The H5N1 virus is spread between birds through contact between an uninfected bird and an infected bird’s saliva, nasal secretions, or feces. The movement of infected poultry, contaminated poultry equipment, or people with virus-contaminated clothing or shoes results in the international movement of the H5N1 virus. Historically, the movement of poultry-adapted avian influenza strains does not involve wild birds. While there is some evidence that migratory waterfowl may have spread the Asian H5N1 “bird flu” virus to domestic poultry across national borders, but the mechanism of this spread is not fully understood and it is unknown if this virus will remain in wild bird populations once they are infected. The vast majority of recent introductions into areas of Europe and Africa have involved the transportation of domestic poultry and poultry products.
between birds through contact between an uninfected bird and an infected bird’s saliva, nasal secretions, or feces. The movement of infected poultry, contaminated poultry equipment, or people with virus-contaminated clothing or shoes results in the international movement of the H5N1 virus. Historically, the movement of poultry-adapted avian influenza strains does not involve wild birds. Recently, there has been some evidence that migratory waterfowl may have spread the Asian H5N1 “bird flu” virus to domestic poultry across national borders, but the mechanism of this spread is not yet fully understood and it is unknown if this virus will remain in wild bird populations once they are infected. -->What is the risk of H5N1 arriving in New Mexico?
Several species of waterfowl (including lesser sandhill cranes, snow geese, northern pintail ducks, etc) migrate through and winter in NM and breed in Alaska and Siberia in the summertime, giving us a direct link to birds from Asia. Many countries in Europe and Africa have had infected poultry flocks, most likely due to illegal importation of infected poultry from Asia or other infected countries. Recent discussion has placed an increasing emphasis that the virus could enter the U.S. from the southern border due to legal or illegal poultry trade or migratory birds infected in southern latitudes and returning north.
If I see a dead bird in New Mexico, is it likely to have bird flu?
There is surveillance for avian influenza among migratory waterfowl, and poultry in the Southwest and New Mexico, and this will detect the “bird flu” virus if present. Other wild birds such as songbirds, crows, or sparrows are not generally infected with avian influenza viruses, so it is not beneficial to include them in a surveillance program. Plans to expand wild bird disease surveillance across the U.S. are underway.
What can I do to protect myself from bird flu?
Travelers to affected countries are advised to avoid poultry farms and live bird markets during their visit. In addition, wild waterfowl or waterfowl showing signs of disease should be avoided in these countries. Although birds in New Mexico are unlikely to be infected with bird flu, it is always a good idea to avoid contact with birds showing signs of disease. People who raise waterfowl or poultry should immediately report any suspicious disease in their birds to their flock supervisor or veterinarian.
Is it safe to hunt, field dress and eat wild game birds?
Yes, it is safe to hunt and eat game. However, hunters should not handle or eat sick game and they should wear rubber or latex gloves when handling and cleaning game, wash hands afterwards, thoroughly clean knives, equipment and surfaces that come in contact with game, not eat, drink or smoke while handling game, and make sure game is thoroughly cooked. Please look at Hunter Safety and the Wild Birds sections of the main menu for further information.
Is it safe to cook and eat chicken, other poultry and eggs?
Yes. It is safe to continue eating poultry and eggs. There is no evidence to suggest that you can become infected by eating properly cooked poultry and eggs. Click on the Food Safety in the main menu for further information.
Are my pet birds at risk for the H5N1 avian flu?
At present, the H5N1 avian flu is not known to be here in the United States. In order to protect your pet birds from avian flu and other avian diseases, keep your birds isolated from wild birds. Isolation of newly acquired or ill birds from others for 30 days is recommended. Those with pet birds, such as parrots, cockatiels, love birds or budgies should not worry about their pets getting “bird flu” if they have not been out of the country or in contact with birds from other countries.
I have a neighbor who feeds and attracts lots of birds/pigeons. Am I at increased risk for the H5N1 avian flu?
No. The H5N1 avian flu has not been found in New Mexico or anywhere in the United States. Almost all human cases of the H5N1 avian flu in Asia have involved poultry handlers that had substantial contact with birds. There is no evidence to suggest that bird feeding will put you at risk for the H5N1 avian flu.
Can the government stop people from feeding birds?
There are no state public health laws that prohibit people from feeding birds. Also, in most areas there are no local/city ordinances that address this issue. Some home owner’s associations have adopted rules that prohibit excessive bird feeding. Consult your neighborhood home owner’s association (if one exists). If bird feeding is permissible, it is still important to be considerate to your neighbors. People who do enjoy feeding birds are encouraged to do so in open areas such as parks where the attraction of large numbers of birds will be less likely to upset neighbors.
It should again be emphasized that recent introductions of H5N1 avian influenza into countries in Europe and Africa are most likely from illegal importation of domestic poultry and not from wild birds.
I have a dead bird in my yard. Can I have it tested for the H5N1 avian flu?
In general a single dead sparrow or other small/medium sized bird will not be accepted for testing. State and federal departments of agriculture and wildlife are routinely testing chickens and wild birds for evidence of infection with the H5N1 avian flu. Please look at the sections on Poultry and Wild Birds in the main menu to see when officials want to be called about sick or dead birds for possible testing.
Can I get the H5N1 avian flu from pigeon droppings?
No. The H5N1 avian flu has not been detected in the United States.My pet dog/cat brought a dead bird into my house. Can my pet dog or cat get sick from avian flu?
Dogs and cats are considered to be resistant to avian flu virus. Illness with the H5N1 avian flu has been reported among domestic and exotic cats in Asia and a domestic cat in Europe, which is unusual. All cases have been associated with outbreaks of H5N1 in poultry and wild birds and are thought to have occurred by the cat eating infected birds. Since the H5N1 avian flu virus has not been identified in New Mexico or the United States, dogs and cats which may capture wild birds are not at risk for this disease. If your pet is ill, consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Will the human seasonal influenza virus vaccine protect me against bird flu?
No, the human influenza vaccine currently available does not protect against bird flu viruses. Clinical trials are underway now for a human vaccine to protect against the “bird flu”.
What are the symptoms of “bird flu” in people?
The symptoms of avian influenza in people range from typical flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, muscle aches, sore throat) to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, diarrhea, secondary bacterial infections and other severe life-threatening complications.
I am feeling sick. Can I be tested for the H5N1 avian flu?
If you are sick, consult your doctor. Testing is available for flu viruses which typically occur during the cold and flu season. At this time, testing for the H5N1 avian flu would not be appropriate- except in cases where the patient had traveled to a H5N1 avian flu-affected area of the world, and/or had close exposure to H5N1 infected birds or persons.
Should I be stockpiling Tamiflu® or other antivirals to protect myself against bird flu or pandemic influenza?
No, it is not recommended that citizens stockpile antiviral drugs to protect against “bird flu” or pandemic influenza. The antivirals have limited usefulness in the prevention of flu, and the virus is capable of becoming resistant over time. Stockpiling Tamiflu® or other antiviral medications will also reduce already-limited supplies for the elderly and others at high risk for contracting seasonal influenza. Consequently, Tamiflu® and related drugs should only be administered under the guidance of a health care provider.
How is New Mexico preparing for bird flu and a potential pandemic?
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) are taking part in a number of prevention and preparedness activities, which include:
- The NMDA Veterinary Diagnostic Services (VDS) and the Scientific Laboratory Division (SLD) of the NMDOH assist with routine surveillance for H5 and H7 viruses in New Mexico poultry and wild birds.
- The New Mexico Livestock Board in coordination with USDA-Veterinary Services investigates disease outbreaks in domestic poultry throughout the state and sends samples to VDS for testing.
- The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish in coordination with USDA-Wildlife Services samples dead birds at hunter check stations and live birds at other locations around the state and sends diagnostic specimens to the VDS for avian flu testing.
- Laboratory capacity to detect novel flu subtypes (including H5) among humans has been developed at SLD.
- Health care providers throughout New Mexico participate in the U.S. Influenza Sentinel Provider Surveillance Network
Will the human seasonal influenza virus vaccine protect me against bird flu?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved the first U.S. H5N1 influenza vaccine for use in humans, though it is not available to the general public at this time. The federal Health and Human Services Department has purchased 13 million doses of the vaccine, enough to cover 6.5 million people.
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