**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
**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: What You Need to Know** **January 20, 2020** Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a disease caused by infection with avian influenza virus Type A. It primarily affects wild water birds, but can also infect domestic poultry and humans. **Who is at risk for avian influenza?** People who work with poultry or come into contact with infected birds are at highest risk for infection. Transmission to humans occurs through contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. **Symptoms of H5N1 avian influenza in humans:** * Fever * Cough * Sore throat * Muscle aches * Fatigue * Difficulty breathing **Is it safe to eat chicken, poultry products, and other meats?** Yes, it is safe to consume cooked poultry and poultry products. The virus is killed by heat when cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. **How to protect yourself from avian influenza:** * Avoid contact with sick or dead birds. * Wear gloves and a mask when handling birds or their feathers. * Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling birds or their products. * Cook poultry and poultry products thoroughly to kill the virus. * Avoid raw or undercooked poultry and poultry products. * Report any sick or dead birds to your local veterinary authorities. **Additional Resources:** * [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Avian Influenza](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-and-you.htm) * [World Health Organization (WHO): Avian Influenza](https://www.who.int/en/health-topics/avian-influenza)
**Avian Influenza Outbreak Affects Dairy Cows in the US** **Highly Pathogenic and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza** Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a viral infection prevalent in domestic poultry, pet zoo birds, and wild birds. The virus comes in two forms: highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI). While LPAI typically causes mild symptoms in poultry, HPAI can be deadly and has even infected mammals, including humans. **Recent Outbreak in the US** Recently, an outbreak of bird flu has affected dairy cows in the United States. This has raised concerns among scientists and industry experts due to its unusual occurrence. Avian influenza is primarily known to spread within bird populations, but its recent spread to dairy cattle has sparked concerns about the potential for further transmission. **Impacts on Poultry Industry and Trade** Avian influenza poses a significant threat to the poultry industry and animal health. Infected birds can spread the virus to other flocks, resulting in economic losses for farmers. The virus can also affect international trade, as countries may ban the import of poultry and poultry products from affected regions. **Prevention and Control** Preventing the spread of avian influenza requires strict biosecurity measures, such as quarantining infected animals, disinfecting equipment, and limiting contact with wild birds. Vaccination programs are also used to reduce the severity of symptoms and protect bird populations. **Conclusion** The outbreak of bird flu among dairy cows in the US highlights the ongoing threat of this virus to both animals and humans. While avian influenza primarily affects birds, its sporadic transmission to mammals raises concerns about its potential implications for public health. Continued surveillance, research, and preventive measures are essential to mitigate the spread and impact of this contagious disease.
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**Bird Flu Outbreak Raises Pandemic Concerns** **April 5, 2024** Multiple states across the US are experiencing outbreaks of bird flu among dairy cows, with at least one case of infection reported in a farmworker in Texas. These incidents have sparked fears that the virus could pose a significant threat to human health. **Potential for Zoonotic Transmission** Health officials are concerned that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N1 viruses responsible for the outbreaks could potentially spread to humans. The emergence of zoonotic strains of bird flu viruses has been a growing concern worldwide. **Developing a Candidate Vaccine** In response to these concerns, researchers are working to develop a candidate vaccine virus (CVV) that could protect against the HPAI A H5N1 virus. The CVV is designed to be both safe and effective in preventing infection in humans. **Modernizing Flu Vaccination** The US government has set a goal of delivering first doses of a flu vaccine within 12 weeks of the declaration of an influenza pandemic. This plan, known as the "10-Year Playbook," aims to modernize the flu vaccination process to ensure a rapid response to potential emergencies. **Vaccine Safety Concerns** Traditional flu vaccines use inactivated or live attenuated viruses, which can pose biosafety risks. Subunit vaccines, on the other hand, offer higher biosafety and immunogenicity. Researchers are exploring the use of subunit vaccines to develop a safe and effective CVV for bird flu. **Conclusion** The recent bird flu outbreaks in the US are a reminder of the potential risks posed by zoonotic viruses. Researchers and health officials are actively working to develop effective vaccines and surveillance systems to mitigate the threat and protect public health.
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