Avian Influenza
Updated August 16, 2006
What is
the status of bird flu in the U.S.?
Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza subtype Asian H5N1 does not
yet exist in the U. S.
In March 2006, the U.S. departments
of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Interior and Homeland
Security held a national media briefing; they said that avian
flu inevitably will arrive in the U.S., but they cannot predict
when it will happen.
Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza
subtype Asian H5N1 is extremely contagious among birds. It is
not contagious among humans at this time.
Like other
states, New Hampshire is preparing for a possible outbreak of
avian flu. The N.H. Department of Health and Human Services is
coordinating our preparedness efforts. To find out more about
what's being done in N.H., click
here to visit www.avianflu.nh.gov.
<return
to top>
How will we know if bird flu is
here?
Many agencies and organizations at all
levels of government are currently working to learn more about
avian flu, how it travels, and how it affects both birds and
people. We are developing early detection systems and strategies
for responding when the disease arrives. N.H. Fish and Game
is actively involved in these efforts.
-
A national monitoring
plan is in place, calling for all 50 states to have early
detection systems so we know when and where avian flu comes
to the U.S.
-
New Hampshire Fish
and Game is working in partnership with USDA Wildlife Services
on monitoring for bird flu in New Hampshire; the Department
expects to collect 1,100 samples for analysis in 2006.
-
Monitoring began in
New Hampshire in May 2006 with the testing of birds statewide
throughout the season. <return
to top>
How can I
find out more about bird flu?
Click here to reach a national
information clearinghouse on Avian Influenza.
Any
special advice for waterfowl and other hunters?
There are no known cases of Avian Influenza H5N1 being transmitted
from a wild bird to a human. Just the same, waterfowl hunters
should take the usual health precautions when handling and preparing
wild game. All hunters are advised to follow these general
guidelines for proper handling of wild birds:
-
Hunters should always
wash their hands after handling wild game birds;
-
Clean and sanitize knives,
other cleaning tools and food preparation surfaces;
-
Cook wild birds to an
internal temperature of at least 165°F;
-
Observe wildlife, including
wild birds, from a distance;
-
Do not pick up diseased
or dead wildlife.
|
