What is there to know about avian influenza?

Usually the flu only affects birds, and is harmless for humans. However, certain virus types can be passed on to humans and can be dangerous or even lethal . The lethal rate ranges between 20 and 50 percent of infected humans.

First documented in 1878 in Italy, we have known about 2,300 human cases of avian flu worldwide since 2003 (WHO), most often occurring in Asia. Currently, the most severe outbreak of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Germany and Europe is occurring. According to the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute there have been 394 confirmed infections since October 2021 in Germany alone. The dominant subtype is also potentially dangerous for humans.

How is avian flu caused and spread ? The responsible influenza virus types are Influenza A-viruses, of which many subtypes exist (H1–16 in combination with N1–9). They carry proteins on their surfaces that can affect or impair the organisms they inhabit . The names of the subtypes derive from their types of protein. There are highly pathogenic types that cause strong symptoms in birds, mildly pathogenic types that only cause little to no symptoms, and human pathogenic types that can be transmitted to humans.

Mainly poultry such as chickens and turkeys are affected, as well as pheasants and wild water birds . Pigeons are less frequently affected.

The avian flu is spread through contact with birds. Supposedly , the transmission occurs through inhalation of dust particles containing the virus, animal contact (without hand hygiene) or from contact with animal faeces (which contain the highest virus concentration). Transmission from birds to other mammals such as pigs, horses or cats is also possible. However, transmission from human to human has not yet been observed.

Intensive farming is especially risky since large bird populations are cramped together in narrow spaces, which leads to rapid outbreaks. In addition, international trade between various feedlots augments the spread of the disease. From feedlots the virus can then be passed on to wild birds, for example, through the use of farmed bird faeces as fertilizer . The pathogenic virus is normally only infectious for several days outside its host (however, under optimal circumstances – up to several months). Transmission via cooked meat is not possible.

How to detect avian flu? The viruses predominantly infest the respiratory tract. The birds get fever, respiratory distress and diarrhoea. Sometimes, however, the animals die before any symptoms occur (peracute). Often, after a few days most animals in a given population will be infected, and can die within hours or days.

Human symptoms resemble those of human flu. High fever, coughing, respiratory distress and throat ache can appear 2 to 14 days after infection. Some patients even develop pneumonia, which then often leads to death. This infection, however, is not caused by the influenza virus itself but is a secondary infection caused by bacteria.

Around half of all infected patients also develop gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea, stomach ache and vomiting .

How to prevent outbreaks? The WHO is closely documenting outbreaks of avian flu. This is particularly important, because an exchange of genetic material between avian flu viruses and those that cause “human” influenza could create a very dangerous virus with the potential to cause a pandemic.

It is crucial for bird owners to be aware of the avian flu and its symptoms. All cases should be reported immediately and control measures put in place. Nonetheless , it is better to prevent outbreaks in the first place. The more space each animal has, the more possibilities to limit outbreaks. The enclosures must be kept hygienic. To prevent an outbreak among humans, cautious hygiene measurements have to be taken before, during and after contact with the animals. This applies to poultry farmers, transport personnel , and sales persons.

EXERCISE: 1. Avian flu is an infectious disease that is caused by various types of influenza viruses. a) True b) False

2. According to the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, avian flu is not a problem anymore within Europe. a) True b) False

3. Avian flu transmission from human to human has not yet been observed. a) True b) False

You’ll find the answers below.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: 1. http://dict.leo.org 2. www.cdc.gov 3. www.dict.cc 4. www.rki.de 5. www.webster-dictionary.org

CARMEN LOBITZ Carmen Lobitz ist freie Trainerin, Lehrerin und MTA. Sie gründete 1998 in Berlin lobitz seminare, die unter anderem Englischseminare für Health Professionals anbieten.

Kontakt: mail@lobitz-seminare.de www.lobitz-seminare.de

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What is there to know about avian influenza?

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