**Avian Influenza Surveillance Dashboard Update** The USDA's Wild Bird Avian Influenza Surveillance Dashboard will be updated weekly on Wednesdays to reflect the latest data on avian influenza in North America. **New CDC Recommendations** The CDC has developed new interim recommendations for the prevention, monitoring, and public health response to avian influenza. These recommendations are based on the latest scientific data and best practices. **What is Avian Influenza?** Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus that can infect poultry and other birds. The virus can cause a range of clinical signs, from mild respiratory symptoms to severe disease and death. **Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza** The USDA is currently tracking the distribution of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in North America. HPAI is a highly contagious and deadly form of AI that can cause significant economic losses to the poultry industry. **USDA Resources** The USDA provides a variety of resources on avian influenza, including information on prevention, control, and response. These resources are available online at the USDA website. **For More Information** For more information on avian influenza, please visit the following websites: * USDA Wild Bird Avian Influenza Surveillance Dashboard: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/wild-birds * CDC Avian Influenza: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm * USDA Avian Influenza: https://www.usda.gov/avian-influenza
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**Avian Influenza Surveillance Dashboard Update** The USDA's Wild Bird Avian Influenza Surveillance Dashboard will be updated weekly on Wednesdays to reflect the latest data on avian influenza in North America. **New CDC Recommendations** The CDC has developed new interim recommendations for the prevention, monitoring, and public health response to avian influenza. These recommendations are based on the latest scientific data and best practices. **What is Avian Influenza?** Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus that can infect poultry and other birds. The virus can cause a range of clinical signs, from mild respiratory symptoms to severe disease and death. **Distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza** The USDA is currently tracking the distribution of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in North America. HPAI is a highly contagious and deadly form of AI that can cause significant economic losses to the poultry industry. **USDA Resources** The USDA provides a variety of resources on avian influenza, including information on prevention, control, and response. These resources are available online at the USDA website. **For More Information** For more information on avian influenza, please visit the following websites: * USDA Wild Bird Avian Influenza Surveillance Dashboard: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/wild-birds * CDC Avian Influenza: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm * USDA Avian Influenza: https://www.usda.gov/avian-influenza
**HPAI AH5N1 Virus: Clinicians Urged to Monitor for Respiratory Symptoms** In light of the recent outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) AH5N1 virus in animals, medical professionals are advised to remain vigilant for potential human infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued interim recommendations urging clinicians to consider the possibility of HPAI AH5N1 infection in individuals exhibiting acute respiratory illness or conjunctivitis who have relevant risk factors. These risk factors include exposure to infected or potentially infected animals (birds or other livestock) or contaminated surfaces. Avian influenza, or bird flu, is caused by infection with Type A viruses that naturally circulate among wild aquatic birds. While H5N1 is primarily a disease of birds, it can occasionally infect other animals, including humans. The outbreak of bird flu in dairy cattle in the United States has raised concerns, as H5N1 has been detected in cows for the first time. While none of the affected cows have died, the widespread infection in dairy cattle has alarmed scientists. Clinicians are encouraged to monitor patients with relevant symptoms and a history of potential exposure. Prompt identification and reporting of cases is essential for early intervention and containment of the virus. The CDC recommends that clinicians consider testing for HPAI AH5N1 virus in people who have: * Symptoms of acute respiratory illness (fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath) or conjunctivitis * Recent exposure to infected animals or contaminated surfaces * Travel history to areas with known HPAI outbreaks It is important to note that human infection with HPAI AH5N1 is rare, but it can occur. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to minimize the risk of severe illness and transmission.
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**Genetic Factors Distinguish Human and Avian Influenza Viruses** Scientists have identified genetic factors that distinguish between human influenza viruses and avian influenza viruses. These factors include: * **H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI)** belongs to the human influenza family. * **All influenza viruses have single-stranded RNA** instead of double-stranded DNA. * **Influenza A viruses are classified into subtypes** based on two proteins on their surface. * **Bird flu is caused by influenza virus strains** found in birds. * **The genome of influenza viruses is segmented** and consists of single-stranded negative-sense RNA. Researchers have also sequenced the full-length genomes of the first H9N2 avian influenza viruses. The avian influenza virus is a type A influenza virus that has adapted to birds. These genetic factors provide valuable insights for understanding the differences between human and avian influenza viruses. This knowledge can help researchers develop more effective vaccines and treatments for influenza.
** Avian Influenza: Classification, Prevention, and Treatment ** Avian influenza viruses are classified into two categories based on their pathogenicity: * **Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (LPAI) A viruses:** Cause mild symptoms or no illness in birds. * **Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A viruses:** Highly contagious and can cause severe illness and death in birds. HPAI viruses are further divided into subtypes based on two surface proteins: * **Hemagglutinin (HA):** 16 subtypes (H1-H16) * **Neuraminidase (NA):** 9 subtypes (N1-N9) To prevent the spread of influenza between birds and people, it's essential to: * Practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes. * Avoid contact with sick birds or their secretions. * Cook poultry thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. * Properly dispose of poultry carcasses. Influenza antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu or Relenza, can be used to treat influenza infections. The most well-known HPAI strain is H5N1, which was first detected in 1997. There are four types of influenza viruses: * Influenza A viruses: Cause seasonal epidemics (flu season) in humans and animals. * Influenza B viruses: Also cause seasonal epidemics in humans. * Influenza C viruses: Cause mild respiratory infections in humans. * Influenza D viruses: Found in cattle and cause respiratory infections.
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