AVIAN
INFLUENZA 
_________________________________
Avian Influenza, a great concern, first occurred in Italy, but
has spread around the world. It is an infectious disease caused by strains of the influenza virus. Avian influenza
viruses are easily transported from farm to farm even to new geographical areas by migratory birds and by
contaminated people, vehicles, equipment, feed, and cages. Viruses survive for quite long in both low and high
temperatures. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) recommends vaccination against outbreaks. Control
measures are for all infected or exposed birds, proper disposal of carcasses, quarantining, rigorous disinfection
of farms, and the implementation of strict sanitary or biosecurity measures. Human avian influenza victims usually
develop fever, sore throat, cough, severe respiratory distress and viral pneumonia. The people which are affected
are of all ages in different states of health. There are rapid tests for diagnosing all influenza strains.
Antiviral drugs have limitations, although they are effective in the treatment and prevention of influenza A virus
strains. If a new virus subtype occurs, it takes some time to produce a new vaccine that is
efficient.
However, with birds the avian influenza virus develops and
spreads differently. All birds can carry this influenza type A virus inside their intestines and distributes it in
the environment through bird feces. These highly contagious forms results in severe epidemics and rapid
death.
Avian bird influenza affected Australia in 1997 but, was
eradicated. However, eradication has not been successful in countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia
Thailand, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Egypt, China, and Iraq people have died as a result of having been infected with the
avian influenza virus.
Help make you community safer and healthier by taking these
simple measures: Do not allow your chickens to roam freely, do your part in advising the public not to catch, get
near or keep wild birds in captivity. These simple but very important measures are just a few things you can do to
help prevent a catastrophical pandemic. ~Anthony Benjamin~
Anthony Benjamin, an avid writer, world traveler and a great
lover of nature. He shares his adventures with his readers via his writings and via his hobby
of building websites such as this one: http://www.appalachian-treasures.com
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