Avian Influenza A H5N1

Influenza A H5N1 virus is of particular public health concern:

• Mutates rapidly
  
• Easily able to acquire genes from viruses infecting other species
  
• Causes severe disease in humans - Hong Kong 1997, Vietnam and Thailand 2004
  
• Birds that recover from infection excrete virus for at least 10 days - live bird markets and migratory birds play a role in the spread of infection
  
• Humans infected with H5N1 and human influenza strains may act as a “mixing vessel” for the emergence of new sub-types. The new sub-type may potetially have sufficient human genes for human-to-human transmission.

Outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1) in humans have been seen in:

• Hong Kong 1997-1998
• Asia 2003-2004

Measures to minimize public health risks from H5N1 outbreaks

1. Halt the spread of epidemics in poultry
   Reduce the risk of human exposure.
   
   
2. Vaccinate people with existing influenza strains
   This will reduce the likelihood of co-infection and the risk of gene exchange.
   
   
3. Protect workers involved with culling procedures
4. • Provide protective clothing, most importantly surgical masks to be worn over the nose and mouth.
   • Antiviral drugs may also be administered to workers.

Food Safety Implications

Cases to date seem to have been contracted from live infected poultry
Influenza viruses are killed by adequate heat. Poultry products should thus be thoroughly cooked (70°C).

Good hygiene such as hand washing and preventing cross contamination should be practiced when handling poultry meat.