Pandemic Influenza

What is Avian Influenza(bird flu) ?

Avian (bird) flu is caused by influenza A viruses that occur naturally among birds. It is likely that some genetic parts of current human influenza A viruses originally came from birds. Influenza A viruses are constantly changing, and other strains might adapt over time to infect and spread among humans.

What is Pandemic Influenza?

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population, begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide. The 1968 influenza pandemic caused about 34,000 U.S. deaths and 700,000 deaths worldwide.

Should I be concerned?

So far, the spread of the avian flu virus from person to person has been limited and has not continued beyond one person. Nonetheless, because all influenza viruses have the ability to change, scientists are concerned that it could one day be able to infect humans and spread easily from person to person. If the bird flu virus were to gain the capacity to spread easily from person to person, a pandemic could begin.

all above information provided by the CDC

Latest News

Illinois Wild Bird Sampling Article

Samples from wild, migratory Green-winged Teals indicate that the highly pathogenic strain of H5N1 is not present.

Video

Bird Flu Movie (requires Quicktime)

PCHD Administrator, Doug Corbett, interviewed

Report Possible Cases

USDA Gen Info

Dead or sick wild birds should be reported by calling the toll-free number: 866-4 USDAWS.

Sick or dying farm birds should be reported by calling USDA's Veterinary Services toll free at 1-866-536-7593, or your State Veterinarian or local extension agent.

Links

CDC Gen Info

General information regarding Pandemic Influenza

Fowl play

Alternate opinion on the spread of avian flu