Transmitted from wild fowl (duck) to domestic poultry thru contamination of food and water.
Does not usually affect humans but H5N1 strain can. H5N1 has been circulating in avian population since 1997. Since Feb 21 2006 H5N1 strain detected in 23 countries cross Asia and Europe.
Has killed 60 people in Asia since Dec. 2003.
All deaths had direct contact with infected birds
No human to human contact ever reported
Concerns that migrating fowl may transmit AI into Australian and European domestic poultry.
Has caused 5 Australian outbreaks in domestic birds.
Last in 1997 (Tamworth).
Can be treated in humans with specific anti viral drugs e.g. Tamiflu & Relenza
To prevent infection if taken while in contact with AI.
To lessen severity and duration of AI illness.
Australian travelling in Asia and now Europe should avoid close contact with poultry especially in markets and bird farms.
If contact with poultry or wild fowl in Asia or Europe is unavoidable, serious thought should be given to taking and viral drugs prophylactically to prevent infection.
Worldwide efforts are being made into developing a vaccination against the H5N1 AI strain.
If AI mutates with the common influenza virus, it has been estimated that the potential death toll from the ensuing pandemic would reach 100 million.
Australian Government is stock piling Tamiflu in preparation for a potential influenza pandemic.
