What is bird flu?

　　Bird flu, or avian influenza, is an infectious disease which originated in birds and which can cause anything from mild to severe forms of illness in human beings. All birds are thought to be susceptible to bird flu, though some species are more resistant to infection than others. Bird flu is caused by different subtypes of influenza A virus affecting chickens, ducks and other birds Viruses which cause mild disease can mutate into viruses that can cause serious disease (highly pathogenic).

　　To date, all outbreaks of the highly pathogenic form have been caused by Influenza A /H5N1 virus, the only subtype that can cause severe disease in humans.

　　Signs and symptoms of bird flu in humans:

　　Bird flu is very similar to other influenza viruses. Initial symptoms are:

　　Fever

　　Muscle weakness and/or pain

　　Sore throat and cough

　　Sore eyes (conjunctivitis) is seen in some patients

　　Causes of death and complications are:

　　Severe viral pneumonia

　　Respiratory distress syndrome

　　Multi- organ failure

　　What we can do to prevent bird flu:

　　Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water before and after handling chicken meat

　　Clean kitchen surfaces and utensils before and after use

　　Cook chicken well by seeing to it that the boiling temperature is reached

　　Do not let chickens roam freely. Keep them in cages or pens.

　　Do not place chickens, ducks and pigs together in one area, cage or pen.

　　Do not catch, get near or keep in captivity wild birds.