Bird Flu - Hear say or Here to Stay?

As the leading supplier of Health & Safety and Facilities Management, Seton has been asked by a number of customers to provide information and advice relating to Avian Flu. For this reason we have developed a dedicated area on our website to address these questions and ensure that you are fully informed and prepared for any eventuality..

All information contained on this website has been composed from leading national and international health authorities and government agencies.

What is Avian Influenza/Bird Flu?

Avian influenza, or 'bird flu', is a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that normally infect only birds and, less commonly, pigs. Avian influenza viruses are highly species-specific but can, and have, crossed the species barrier to infect humans and other animals.

The Avian influenza that causes the most concern is the H5N1 strain that has killed approximately 150 million birds. The H5N1 virus is a real concern for human health for two reasons:

1) The risk of direct infection from bird-to-human. These cases have been severe and over half of those infected have died as a result of the virus.

2) The risk of a virus mutation that could result in the virus being passed from human-to-human. If this were to happen it could then result in a flu pandemic. It is still unclear as to whether this will happen, how many will be affected, and how severe the virus would be if it does. The World Health Organisation has reported that past 'flu pandemics' have affected between 25-35% of a countries population. For further details on this please click here - http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/avian_faqs/en/index.html#vaccine

Have there been any incidents of Avian Influenza in Britain?

Yes, three times in the last two years. The first case was found in a swan in Fife, the second in chickens at a Norfolk farm in April 2006. The third, and most recent, at a Turkey farm in Suffolk.

To view a Bird Flu timeline in the UK click here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4882824.stm

How can humans be infected by Avian Influenza?

The disease has only been passed from bird-to-human at this point. This has been through direct contact with infected poultry, or surfaces and objects contaminated by their faeces. To date, the majority of human cases have occurred in rural areas where households keep small poultry flocks.

If the disease were to mutate and be capable of passing from human-to-human then it could be passed on via all usual routes that a normal influenza virus does presently:

"The flu virus is highly contagious and is easily passed on by breathing in the tiny droplets from the breath of infected people. The incubation period - delay between infection and the appearance of symptoms - is about 2 - 3 days. The infectious period varies but an infected person can probably pass on the disease the day before their symptoms appear and remain potentially infectious for 3-5 days" (extract taken from the Health Protection Agency website - link below)
http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/influenza/seasonal/flufaq.htm

How can we prevent the spread of Influenza viruses?

From Bird-to-Bird

The best way to prevent spread of the disease is to limit the ways in which the virus can travel. DEFRA have already placed a ban on all bird markets, fairs, races etc to stop congregations of people and birds. If you, or someone you work with, have to enter an area where Avian Influenza may exist you need to do your best to ensure that the disease is not transferred via your shoes or vehicles wheels. Using mats covered in a disinfectant that is proven to kill the H5N1 virus (and other diseases) in areas of people and vehicle traffic, and restricting access to potential contamination areas through the use of barriers will reduce the risk of the virus traveling to new sites.


Disinfectant Mats Prevent the spread of viruses from feet and traffic	Avian Flu DVD Supplied complete with free 10 training booklets	Barricade Tape Restrict access to problem areas quickly
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From Bird-to-Human

The most effective and obvious way is to avoid potentially infected birds. However, the infection may not be obvious or you may not be able to avoid contact. In these circumstances DEFRA have issued guidance on what to do and what Personal Protective Equipment to wear. - click here now http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/pdf/fluprevent-leaflet.pdf

DEFRA have recommended the following types of PPE:

Type 5 disposable coveralls

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Disposable gloves (nitrile or vinyl) or heavy-duty rubber gauntlets

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Rubber or polyurethane boots or disposable shoe covers

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P3 respirator with exhalation valve

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Close fitting goggles

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From Human-to-Human

As influenza viruses are passed via tiny droplets of bodily fluid, usually as a result of coughing or sneezing, a number of best practice measures can be adopted to limit its spread.
Encouraging staff to carry tissues and to use these when coughing or sneezing limits the virus to smaller areas. Ensure that any tissues are separated from regular waste and disposed of safely via body fluid disposal bags.
Discourage employees from working when they are displaying symptoms of influenza.
Introducing a regular hand wash scheme using anti-viral hand washes can help limit the risk of the virus being passed on. Using this type of hand wash limits the chance that droplets are left on door handles, desktops, phones and other areas that the virus can potentially be transferred.


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