can a chicken survive bird flu

People working with poultry with known or possible infections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A viruses should follow worker protection and personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations. Guidance is available for hunters, poultry producers, and poultry outbreak responders. Biosecurity information is available from USDAs website [297 KB, 2 Pages].

Avian influenza refers to disease in birds caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. Avian influenza A viruses have been isolated from more than 100 different species of wild birds around the world. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Wild aquatic birds include waterbirds (waterfowl) such as ducks, geese, swans, gulls, and terns, and shorebirds, such as storks, plovers, and sandpipers. Wild aquatic birds, especially dabbling ducks, are considered reservoirs (hosts) for avian influenza A viruses. Wild aquatic birds can be infected with avian influenza A viruses in their intestines and respiratory tract, but some species, such as ducks, may not get sick. However, avian influenza A viruses are very contagious among birds, and some of these viruses can sicken and even kill certain domesticated bird species, including chickens, ducks and turkeys.

Infected birds can shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with the virus as it is shed by infected birds. They also can become infected through contact with surfaces that are contaminated with virus from infected birds. Highly Pathogenic and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza A Viruses

Avian influenza A viruses are classified into the following two categories: low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) A viruses, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A viruses. The categories refer to molecular characteristics of a virus and the virus ability to cause disease and mortality in chickens in a laboratory setting [2.55 MB, 64 Pages]. HPAI and LPAI are defined and explained below:

Both HPAI and LPAI viruses can spread rapidly through poultry flocks. HPAI and LPAI designations do not refer to or correlate with the severity of illness in cases of human infection with these viruses; both LPAI and HPAI A viruses have caused mild to severe illness in infected humans. There are genetic and antigenic differences between the influenza A virus subtypes that typically infect only birds and those that can infect birds and people.

Global avian influenza surveillance data is available from the World Organization for Animal Health website at Avian Influenza WOAH World Organisation for Animal Health. Information about recent U.S. outbreaks of avian influenza in birds is available from USDAs APHIS webpage. Additional information about avian influenza surveillance in wild birds is available at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center.

The viruses that cause HPAI and LPAI can spread quickly among flocks of chickens. Both LPAI and HPAI A viruses have caused mild to severe illness in infected humans; however, the designations HPAI and LPAI do not relate to or correlate with the severity of illness in cases of human infection with these viruses. The influenza A virus subtypes that usually only infect birds and those that can infect both birds and humans differ in terms of genetics and antigens.

When handling poultry that may be infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A viruses, workers should adhere to worker protection and personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines. Hunters, chicken farmers, and those responding to a poultry outbreak can all get guidance. The USDA website has information on biosecurity [297 KB, 2 Pages].

CDC, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) conduct routine surveillance to monitor influenza viruses for changes that may have implications for animal and public health. CDC and WHO surveillance efforts are focused on human health. FAO and WOAH are concerned with issues affecting animals, food and agriculture.

What is avian influenza?

The illness known as avian influenza (AI) strikes domestic poultry, including:

The avian influenza virus’s natural hosts are shorebirds and waterfowl. These birds will excrete the virus, frequently without exhibiting symptoms.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is rapidly fatal for poultry. With the exception of ducks and geese, all poultry frequently experience sudden onset HPAI and high death rates.

The respiratory (gasping) and digestive (severe diarrhea) symptoms of HPAI in chickens are frequently followed by a swift demise. Chickens may have swelling around the head, neck, and eyes. The heads and legs may also have purple discoloration.

Turkeys and other poultry species may experience nervous symptoms like:

Tremors
Twisted necks
Paralyzed wings
Laying down and pedaling

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports confirmed cases of HPAI. HPAI has occurred in wild waterfowl, backyard poultry and commercial poultry flocks. See the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website for up-to-date information on HPAI detection in the U.S.

Because infected birds do not reach the market, there is very little risk to the public and no concerns about food safety. Usually, only those who come into close contact with afflicted birds are at risk of infection.

Always properly handle poultry and eggs and cook to an internal temperature of 165 F. Dont eat birds that appear sick or have died for reasons unknown. For more food safety information read Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Minnesota.