Since its discovery in China 14 years ago, the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain has spread to Asia, Europe and Africa, where it has primarily affected domestic poultry. Legal and illegal movement of infected birds, poultry products, contaminated materials, equipment and vehicles, as well as wild bird migration, are some of the ways that highly pathogenic virus can be spread.
Dr. Cottrell noted that if the highly pathogenic H5N1 is detected in wild birds in the United States, it does not necessarily pose a public threat. Even though the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been detected wild bird species, the actual number of wild birds infected with H5N1 has been relatively very low. There currently is no scientific basis for controlling highly pathogenic H5N1 by management of wild birds beyond physically segregating poultry from exposure to wild birds.
"For prevention's sake, hunters should follow routine precautions when handling game birds," Dr. Cottrell said. "Do not kill, handle or eat sick game. Wear rubber or disposable latex or nitrile gloves while handling and cleaning game, wash hands and thoroughly clean knives, equipment and surfaces that come in contact with game. Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling animals. All poultry should be thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit as determined by a meat thermometer."
Cottrell pointed out that a certain level of mortality in wild birds is normal, and that wild bird mortality can occur as a result of trauma, ingestion of pesticides, infections and accidents of nature, most of which pose no threat to the health of domestic animals or people. However, incidents of five or more ill or dead bir
'/>"/>
| SOURCE Pennsylvania Game Commission Copyright©2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved |