Was the bird flu a pandemic?
The first outbreak of human infection by avian influenza viruses ( H5N1 ) was observed in 1997 in Hong Kong. Since then a large number of outbreaks have been reported in different parts of the world. In fact, the spread of avian influenza H5N1 in various species including humans has lead to a current pandemic threat.
Can bird flu spread through chicken?
Infected birds have virus in their saliva, mucous and droppings (feces). Bird flu viruses spread easily between birds . Some of these viruses can cause serious illness and death in domestic poultry (like chickens , ducks and turkeys). It is rare for people to get infected with bird flu viruses, but it can happen.
Can you survive the bird flu?
It’s deadly to most birds . And it’s deadly to humans and to other mammals that catch the virus from birds . Since the first human case in 1997, H5N1 has killed nearly 60% of the people who have been infected. But unlike human flu bugs, H5N1 bird flu does not spread easily from person to person.
How many did the bird flu kill?
Just over a dozen years ago, a bird flu virus known as H5N1 was charting a destructive course through Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East, ravaging poultry in apocalyptic numbers and killing 6 in 10 humans known to have contracted it.
How long did the bird flu outbreak last?
Between 1959 and 1995, there were 15 recorded occasions of the emergence of HPAI viruses in poultry, but losses were minimal. Between 1996 and 2008 however, HPAI outbreaks in poultry have occurred at least 11 times and 4 of these outbreaks have involved millions of birds .
How long did swine flu last?
The 2009 swine flu pandemic was an influenza pandemic that lasted for about 19 months, from January 2009 to August 2010, and was the second of two pandemics involving H1N1 influenza virus (the first being the 1918–1920 Spanish flu pandemic ).
Does bird flu kill birds?
However, avian influenza A viruses are very contagious among birds and some of these viruses can sicken and even kill certain domesticated bird species including chickens, ducks, and turkeys. Infected birds can shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces.
How do I know if my chicken has bird flu?
Some of the signs for avian influenza include eating less, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, reduced egg production, lack of energy, swelling around the face, purple discoloration around the face, lack of coordination, diarrhea, muscle tremors, drooping wings, twisting of the head and neck, and inability to move.
What caused bird flu?
Bird flu is caused by a type of influenza virus that rarely infects humans. More than a dozen types of bird flu have been identified, including the two strains that have most recently infected humans — H5N1 and H7N9. When bird flu does strike humans, it can be deadly.
Is bird flu airborne?
Avian influenza viruses can be transmitted directly from wild birds to domestic poultry or indirectly e.g. through contaminated material. The virus spreads directly from bird to bird via airborne transmission or indirectly, through faecal contamination of footwear or feed.
What country did the swine flu come from?
The 2009 swine flu outbreak originated in Veracruz, Mexico . Health workers traced the virus to a pig farm in this southeastern Mexican state. A young boy who lived nearby was among the first people to contract the swine flu.
Do ducks carry diseases to humans?
Chickens, ducks , geese, turkey, and other live poultry can carry Salmonella germs in their guts. Live poultry can have Salmonella germs in their droppings and on their feathers, feet, and beaks, even when they appear healthy and clean.
What happened to the swine flu?
The WHO declared the swine flu outbreak a pandemic on June 11, 2009. 5. Between April 12, 2009, and April 10, 2010, the CDC estimates swine flu caused 60.8 million illnesses, 273,304 hospitalizations and 12,469 deaths in the U.S.
Can humans catch bird flu?
Bird flu , or avian flu , is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds . In rare cases, it can affect humans . There are lots of different strains of bird flu virus. Most of them don’t infect humans .