First case of avian influenza confirmed in Jackson County; what you need to know

Bird flu continues to raise concerns as the first case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza(

HPAI

) has been confirmed by the U.S Department of Agriculture in Jackson County, in a backyard flock of geese and chickens.
Cases of avian influenza see an uptick in fall and springtime as wild birds spread the virus during their seasonal migrations.
Oregon has been detecting bird flu cases since May 2022 and so far three commercial poultry flocks and 38 backyard flocks have been affected. Recently, one pig out of 5 at an Oregon farm was detected to have bird flu, the first such case in the US swine. The pig contracted the infection from HPAI-infected chickens and ducks This has raised concern about the disease’s potential to become a human threat.
The said Jackson County farm has been placed under quarantine by The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and all the poultry on the farm have been euthanised. The farm animals weren’t intended for the commercial food market.

“It’s important to note that when properly prepared and cooked, HPAI does not affect meat or egg products, and these food items remain safe,” said ODA.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu is a viral infection that usually spreads in birds but poses an infection risk to humans too. Influenza A(H5N1) strain is more likely to affect humans. It can cause severe respiratory symptoms. People who work with poultry, waterfowl (like geese and ducks), and livestock are most at risk. It doesn’t spread from person to person.

During outbreaks, it is a policy to cull all poultry, whether infected or healthy, to contain the spread of avian influenza.

Symptoms of bird flu in humans

According to the CDC, eye redness (conjunctivitis), mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms, pneumonia requiring hospitalization, fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffed nose, and muscle or body aches are among the common symptoms in humans.

How to prevent

One can limit the co-mingling of different livestock species, especially poultry and pigs. Wash your hands before and after handling the flock. Change clothes upon contact with birds.
It is important to avoid contact with infected birds and animals. It can usually spread through their droppings, saliva, and other secretions. During outbreaks, it’s crucial to avoid consuming raw, uncooked, or partially cooked poultry products such as chickens and eggs. Cooking these products for half an hour at 700C kills the bird flu virus and makes the food safe for consumption.
(Picture courtesy: iStock)