I like this because it was short and to the point. It also answered my question about the "birdfeeder birds".

It is something I'll send to my in-laws who are positive my chickens will be the death of us all.

Take care,

Carla in Austin

Avian flu means don't let wild, domestic birds flock together


Jane Greig

Sunday, October 23, 2005

Questions usually hitting my desk about flu are predictable: "Why do most flus seem to originate in Asia?" or "What are the top causes of death in the United States?"

Flus originate in many parts of the world and are named accordingly Russian flu, Spanish flu. Living conditions in Asia (large concentrations of people and birds) provide innumerable opportunities for exposure to viruses. Death from influenza or pneumonia is No. 7 on the National Vital Statistics Reports Causes of Death list (2002). Heart disease is No. 12.

Reports of flocks infected with bird flu in Asia, Turkey, Gonzales in South Central Texas and now Russia have brought more questions. One reader summed up readers' concerns: "On the subject of a potential bird virus, can you please get us the best answer at the present time regarding three areas: birds that are wild  turkeys, geese, etc.; domesticated birds  chickens, turkeys, etc.; and backyard birds coming to our feeders  cardinals, hummers, doves, owls, finches, etc. I suspect many bird lovers will love to hear your informed response."

A bit of background is helpful. The bird flu found near Gonzales on a poultry farm in 2004 was a different strain (H5N2) than the one found in Asia and Turkey (H5N1). H5N1 flu is the avian flu concerning health officials. The Gonzales flock was destroyed.

What does H5N1 stand for in lay terms?

H refers to hemagglutinin, a protein that helps the virus attach to the host cell. There are 16 known hemagglutinin subtypes (H1, H2, etc.). N is neuraminidase, a protein that allows the virus to escape a host cell and infect more cells. There are nine known subtypes of neuraminidase (N1, N2, etc.). All H and N subtypes can be found in birds but only a few subtypes in humans.

The bird flu now in the news is an A-type virus that causes respiratory epidemics and can drift (change gradually) or shift (change rapidly). In contrast, B-type flu drifts but does not shift. Type C causes mild illness and is not responsible for epidemics.

Wild fowl are natural reservoirs for influenza A viruses. Bird flu in some form is generally present in wild fowl and has been so for centuries without much harm, according to the World Health Organization. But these migratory birds might have passed on a bird virus to poultry flocks, where the virus mutated to a more pathogenic (disease-causing) virus. "Recent events make it likely that some migratory birds are now directly spreading the H5N1 virus in its highly pathogenic form," WHO announced recently.

How do they transmit the disease? Nasal secretions, saliva and feces from infected birds spread the virus. When infected, domestic poultry die quickly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports "most cases of H5N1 infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry, uncooked poultry products or contaminated surfaces." Two human deaths resulted from ingestion of uncooked duck blood in Vietnam.

The good news? "Most human cases were linked to exposure to dead pig or poultry, and evidence at this stage suggests there is no efficient human-to-human transmission," WHO reports. Human cases have been reported within family clusters in which human-to-human transmission could not be ruled out.

So are birds in your backyard or in your hunters' coolers at risk? Perhaps, if an infected bird migrates to Texas and makes contact with local fowl. Not much can be done to keep the migratory bird population at bay.

"Veterinarians are receiving updates daily on avian flu," says Scott Echols, a local veterinarian who is an avian specialist, and "currently birds at greatest risk now are waterfowl and chickens." No need to take down bird feeders at this time. Some species such as parrots seem fairly resistant to avian flu, Scott notes.

"Practice good biosecurity where your domestic birds are concerned," advises Carla Everett, spokeswoman for the Texas Animal Health Commission. Do not mix migratory and domestic populations. Caged birds should stay indoors away from the wild population. Do not handle wild birds and then domestic ones without washing your hands. Keep feeders clean. That is always a good practice.

Parasites transmit easily from one bird to another. Clean the bird feeder once a week with soap and water and follow with a mild bleach solution (one part bleach to 10 parts water).

What's a hunter to do? Wear gloves when cleaning wild birds. When you return home, change clothes and clean your shoes before feeding or handling domestic birds. Clean your knives well.

Need more information or suspect your domestic bird flock is ill? Call your veterinarian or contact an animal health representative at (800) 550-8242.

Farm-raised poultry is tested regularly but home cooks who handle poultry and eggs should take care. Wash your hands after every time you are in contact with an uncooked bird or a raw egg. Cook all poultry and eggs thoroughly. In addition, clean with detergent any cutting boards or utensils used for uncooked poultry or eggs.

And skip the duck's blood cocktails.

Contact Jane Greig at P.O. Box 670, Austin 78767; (512) 445-3697; e-mail jgreig@statesman.com or fax (512) 445-3968. For more Jane Greig, visit www.statesman.com/life/greig.