There are concerns about the avian flu as it continues to spread in parts of
the world. Below is the most recent Bulletin from the USFWS on the topic.

Wildlife Health Bulletin #05-03

To: Natural Resource/Conservation Managers
From: Leslie Dierauf, Director, USGS National Wildlife Health Center
Title: Interim Guidelines for the Protection of Persons Handling Wild Birds
With Reference to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1
Date: August 29, 2005

These Guidelines have been developed in consultation with the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention and are advisory in nature and are intended
to provide guidance for field biologists and others working with or handling
wild birds with specific reference to highly pathogenic avian influenza. The
guidance reflects information available as of August 2005 and may be updated
as more information becomes available.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1
To date, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A H5N1 has not been detected in
humans, poultry or wild birds in North America (N.A.), and no data suggest
that H5N1 should be suspected of being in N.A or in wild birds migrating
from Asia to N.A. this fall (2005).

Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a virus typically found in wild birds,
especially waterfowl and shorebirds. The virus is only found in a small
number of birds in the wild, and generally does not cause clinical signs of
disease. The virus is shed in fecal droppings, saliva and nasal discharges.
Since 2003, a particularly virulent strain of this virus has emerged in
Asia-the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus. The HPAI H5N1
virus probably originated from domestic poultry in that region and is of
concern because: 1) it poses a threat to domestic poultry, especially
chickens; and 2) it has caused illness in 112 persons, including the deaths
of at least 57 people as of August 2005. Most human cases are thought to
have become infected with the virus through direct handling of infected
poultry, consumption of uncooked poultry products, or contact with
virus-contaminated surfaces/materials. However, to date, the risk of H5N1
transmission to people through direct contact with infected poultry remains
very low. Probable, limited person-to-person transmission of H5N1 viruses in
a small number of cases has been reported.

There are an increasing number of reports that HPAI H5N1 is infecting and
causing death in wild birds, including some migratory species. These events,
and the associated spread of the H5N1 virus to new geographical areas in
Asia, have created concerns and questions about the possibility that the
H5N1 virus could be carried into North America with migratory birds.

These Guidelines provide advice about practices and precautions people
should exercise to mitigate the risk of HPAI H5N1 viral infection based on
the level of exposure to wild birds. Because situations can change quickly,
we have included recommendations for handling wild birds in the event that
HPAI H5N1 is detected. It is important to check with your respective public
health, animal health, and natural resource agencies for up-to-date
information on HPAI H5N1.

There is no known case where H5N1 has been transmitted from wild birds to
humans. However, even apparently healthy wild birds can be infected with
microorganisms other than HPAI, some of which are currently of more concern
to human health in North America than HPAI H5N1.

Recommendations:
Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water (or with alcohol-based hand
products if the hands are not visibly soiled) is a very effective method for
inactivating influenza viruses, including HPAI. These viruses are also
inactivated with many common disinfectants such as detergents, 10% household
bleach, alcohol other commercial disinfectants. The virus is more difficult
to inactivate in organic material such as feces or soil.

The General Public should, as a general rule, observe wildlife, including
wild birds, from a distance. This protects you from possible exposure to
pathogens and minimizes disturbance to the animal.

a.. Avoid touching wildlife. If there is contact with wildlife do not rub
eyes, eat, drink, or smoke before washing hands with soap and water as
described above.
b.. Do not pick up diseased or dead wildlife. Contact your state, tribal
or federal natural resource agency if a sick or dead animal is found.
Hunters should follow routine precautions when handling game.

a.. Do not handle or eat sick game.
b.. Wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling and cleaning
game, wash hands as described above, and thoroughly clean knives, equipment
and surfaces that come in contact with game.
c.. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals.
d.. All game should be thoroughly cooked (well done or 160o F). Additional
information can be found at:
www.who.int/entity/foodsafety/fs_management/No_02_Avianinfluenza_Dec04_en.pdf.
Field Biologists handling apparently healthy wild birds in areas where HPAI
H5N1 is not suspected:
Work in well-ventilated areas if working indoors, and when working outdoors
work upwind of animals, to the extent practical, to decrease the risk of
inhaling aerosols such as dust, feathers, or dander.

a.. When possible, wear rubber or latex gloves that can be disinfected or
disposed of and protective eyewear or a face shield while handling animals.
b.. Wash hands often as described above, and disinfect work surfaces and
equipment between sites.
c.. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals.
Field Biologists handling sick or dead birds associated with a mortality
event

a.. Follow the recommendations above and at a minimum wear protective
clothing, including coveralls, rubber boots, latex or rubber gloves that can
be disinfected or disposed of.
b.. Minimize exposure to mucosal membranes by wearing protective eyewear
(goggles) and a particulate surgical mask (NIOSH N95 respirator/mask is
preferable).
c.. Decontaminate work area and properly dispose of potentially infectious
material including carcasses. For additional Information see USGS Field
Guide to Wildlife Diseases:
http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/pub_metadata/field_manual/chapter_4.pdf
http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/pub_metadata/field_manual/chapter_4.pdf
d.. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals. =
Recommendations if HPAI is detected in N.A.
Field Biologists working with wild birds in areas where HPAI H5N1 has been
detected, particularly during disease control operations, should consult
with a health care provider and follow the latest guidelines from CDC and
the WHO for prophylactic medications and precautions for persons involved in
avian influenza disease control:
http://www.who.int/entity/csr/disease/avian_influenza/guidelines/Avian%20Influenza.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/professional/protect-guid.htm

a.. Follow the recommendations above and the basics of infection control,
including how to put on and use, remove, disinfect or dispose of personal
protective equipment (PPE) and clothing.
b.. Wash hands frequently and disinfect exposed surfaces and field
equipment between work sites.
c.. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals.
d.. Wear coveralls, gloves, shoe covers, or boots that can be disinfected
or disposed of, a respirator (NIOSH N95 respirator/mask is preferable) and
protective eyewear (goggles).
e.. Monitor your health for clinical signs of influenza infection during
and for one week after last exposure to potentially HPAI virus-infected or
exposed birds.
f.. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop fever, flu-like
symptoms or conjunctivitis (eye inflammation). Inform them prior to arrival
that you have been potentially exposed to HPAI.
Additional information about HPAI H5N1 can be found at the following Web
links:
USGS National Wildlife Health Center :
http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/research/avian_influenza/avian_influenza.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm



Martha Jordan
www.swansociety.org