Avian Influenza : University of Vermont

UVM EXTENSION Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza / Bird Flu
A Vermont Perspective for Backyard Flocks

We hear about avian influenza and pandemic flu in the news daily, but what does it really mean? This avian influenza virus, called high pathogenecity H5N1, is killing poultry and wild birds in Asia, Europe, and Africa. There are serious implications for Vermont poultry, and different, deep concerns about our own health with respect to a potential pandemic flu.

There are differences between what should be on the mind of backyard poultry raisers with respect to avian influenza as opposed to what the general public should be concerned about with respect to pandemic flu.

	Backyard Poultry	General Public
Today (August, 2008)	No known high pathogenic avian influenza in the U.S., very low risk. Recommendations	No known high pathogenic avian influenza in the U.S., no pandemic flu in the world.
June 3, 2008	Low-Path Avian Influenza H7N3 discovered in Arkansas, 15,000 hens killed. Read more...	No increased public health risk.
Scenarios	Backyard Poultry	General Public
If High Path. H5N1 enters the U.S. wild bird population...	This was the expected way for H5N1 to arrive in the U.S. back in 2006. Although it has not happened, it is still possible. Recommendations	Public health risk will not change appreciably; a pandemic will likely come from Asia, not migrating wildlife.
If High Path. H5N1 enters VT wildlife or poultry...	Biosecurity will become essential. All poultry in an infected flock will be killed and surrounding flocks quarantined. Read more...	While a pandemic will likely come from Asia, there is potential for individuals to become sick fromwildlife and domestic poultry. Read more from VDH
If High Path. H5N1 becomes transmissible between people...	Our primary concerns will be public health, but there will be related effects in agriculture.	Pandemic influenza will change our life. Preparation is the only answer.

University of Vermont Extension and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.

Last modified August 12 2008 02:09 PM