Avian Influenza, the symptoms
What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza is used to describe all of the influenza
viruses that can infect birds - this includes both wild birds
such as ducks and domestic birds such as chickens. It now
appears that birds are a natural reservoir of flu viruses - to
date 15 strains of influenza A virus are known to exist in bird
populations.
Many forms of the avian influenza virus cause only very mild
symptoms in birds, or no symptoms at all. However, some strains
of the influenza A virus can produce a highly contagious and
rapidly fatal disease. These very virulent strains of the virus
are known as "highly pathogenic avian influenza". It's these
viruses that cause particular concern. One such avian influenza
virus is currently infecting chickens in the Asian region, this
particular strain is known as H5N1.
Should the H5N1 strain adapt and spread via humans we could very
quickly be in a worldwide pandemic. This is because currently
humans do not have a natural immunity or protection from this
strain of avian influenza.
In history there have been several outbreaks of bird flu viruses
which have been controlled by quarantining or destroying
thousands of birds to stem the spread of the virus between
countries.
Bird avian influenza symptoms
Infected birds shed flu virus in their saliva, nasal secretions,
and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have
contact with contaminated excretions or surfaces that are
contaminated with excretions.
Symptoms in birds show themselves as some or all of the
following; a decrease in bird activity (lethargy), a drop in egg
production, a swelling of the head, breathing problems,
diarrhoea, muscle paralysis and sudden death.
Human avian influenza symptoms
In humans, avian influenza shows itself as similar symptoms to
other types of influenza, such as fever, sore throat, cough,
headache, lethargy, muscle ache, and conjunctivitis. Cases of
bird flu are more likely to cause breathing problems and
pneumonia that may be fatal.
The state of the infected person's immune system will also play
a major part in the severity of the infection.
If you at any time suspect you may have an avian influenza
infection you should contact a medical professional to
confirm.