TheBird FluSituation: The Bird Flu Situation


Facts about Bird Flu: Facts about Bird Flu


What is Bird Flu?: What is Bird Flu? A highly contagious poultry disease caused by a virus Can infect a variety of other birds Domestic poultry such as chickens and turkeys most susceptible


How do humans get infected?: How do humans get infected? Through close contact with infected birds e.g. breathing in particles from their droppings Rare for bird flu to infect humans No evidence of human-to- human transmission to date according to WHO


What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?: What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans? Fever, cough, muscle ache, runny nose, and sore throat Some may get eye infections and have difficulty breathing Pneumonia or other complications may occur at a later stage


Can bird flu be cured?: Can bird flu be cured? Tamiflu, an anti-viral drug, appears to be effective in treating bird flu Further testing being done to confirm effectiveness


Past cases of Bird Flu infecting humans: Past cases of Bird Flu infecting humans Hong Kong (1997) H5N1 virus infected both chickens and humans First time an avian influenza virus found to transmit directly from birds to humans 18 people hospitalised and 6 died 1.5 million chickens killed Virus spread primarily from birds to humans; rare person-to-person infection noted


Past cases of Bird Flu infecting humans: Past cases of Bird Flu infecting humans Netherlands (2003) H7N7 virus infections among poultry workers and their families in the Netherlands during an outbreak of avian flu among poultry More than 80 cases of H7N7 illness reported and 1 patient died


Bird Flu Outbreak 2004: Bird Flu Outbreak 2004 In birds: Outbreaks of H5N1 virus confirmed among poultry in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong (in a single peregrine falcon), Indonesia, Japan, Laos, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam (as at 4 Feb 2004) In people: Cases of H5N1 infection in Vietnam and Thailand. Deaths have been reported.


The Situation in Singapore: The Situation in Singapore


Should I be alarmed?: Should I be alarmed? Bird flu is NOT a significant public health threat to Singapore There are few poultry farms in Singapore, and the slaughter of poultry is not carried out in wet markets


What has been done?: What has been done? Imports of live poultry and birds, poultry meat and eggs from bird flu-affected countries banned Stepped-up inspection and testing of imported eggs and poultry at points of entry Stepped-up checks on local poultry farms and slaughterhouses


What has been done?: What has been done? Farms required to implement biosecurity measures e.g. bird-proofing poultry houses, disinfecting vehicles Farm and slaughterhouse employees briefed on how to recognise signs of bird flu, and required to report unusual deaths or suspicion of the disease Farms closed to visitors


Are we prepared for an outbreak?: Within an hour of the first bird flu case being detected, AVA and related agencies will be mobilised to control the situation All hospitals and doctors advised to be on alert Suspected cases will be sent to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for assessment, and to Communicable Diseases Centre 2 for isolation if necessary Are we prepared for an outbreak?


Culling plans: Culling plans Will start culling all birds in local farms as soon as clinical signs of bird flu appear with positive test results All farms will be “sealed up” during culling Eggs produced will be destroyed Ex-gratia payment will be made to owners of the farms for the poultry culled Measures necessary to eradicate disease, safeguard public health and maintain public confidence


Eatingchickensand other poultry: Eating chickens and other poultry


Is it safe to eat chickens, eggs, and other poultry products?: Is it safe to eat chickens, eggs, and other poultry products? The poultry and eggs available in the market are safe to eat No evidence that you can get bird flu by eating chicken, eggs and other poultry


What about cannedpoultry products?: What about canned poultry products? Canned poultry products such as essence of chicken are also safe to eat All canned products undergo a heat treatment process that effectively destroys any viruses


Food Supply: Food Supply With more countries affected by bird flu, prices may go up temporarily Shortfall could be met by: Alternative sources Buffer stocks of frozen poultry meat Liquid and powdered eggs


Tips for cooking poultry: Tips for cooking poultry Separate raw food from cooked food Wash your hands before and after preparing food Cook poultry meat thoroughly Avoid eating raw or half-boiled eggs or semi-cooked meat


Live Birdsin Singapore: Live Birds in Singapore


Can other birds spread the disease?: Can other birds spread the disease? Crows, mynahs and pigeons in Singapore are not known to carry bird flu. Migratory birds can be carriers. AVA, NParks and NEA conduct regular checks on birds in Singapore. So far, no flu viruses have been detected


Is it safe to visit the Jurong Bird Park and the Zoo?: Is it safe to visit the Jurong Bird Park and the Zoo? Singapore is free from bird flu It is safe to go to places where birds can be found e.g. Sungei Buloh, Jurong Bird Park or the Zoo


Is it safe to keep birds or poultry as pets?: Is it safe to keep birds or poultry as pets? All imported live birds monitored by AVA for infectious diseases Risk of pet birds getting infected low Precaution: Keep birds in enclosure so that they do not come into contact with wild birds Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after handling your pets


What are the signs of infection?: What are the signs of infection? Sudden death Lack of energy and appetite Swelling of head, eyelids, comb, wattles and legs Purple discolouration of the wattles and combs Nasal discharge Coughing and sneezing Diarrhoea


Who can help if I decided to give up my pet birds or chickens?: Who can help if I decided to give up my pet birds or chickens? AVA’s Centre for Animal Welfare and Control can help put down your pets humanely Hotline Number: 1800-476 1600


Travelling Overseas: Travelling Overseas


Is it safe to visit countries with cases of bird flu? : Is it safe to visit countries with cases of bird flu? WHO has not advised any travel restrictions so far No quarantined when you return When visiting affected countries, avoid farms and live poultry and birds, and adopt good hygiene practices


Should I get vaccinated against influenza before I travel?: Should I get vaccinated against influenza before I travel? MOH recommendation: Children aged 6 months and older should be vaccinated if travelling to temperate countries in the Northern Hemisphere Persons likely to be exposed to infected chickens or farms should also be vaccinated


Should I get vaccinated against influenza before I travel?: Should I get vaccinated against influenza before I travel? Purpose of vaccination is to avoid risk of people being infected by bird and human virus at the same time


What should I do if I suspect I have bird flu?: What should I do if I suspect I have bird flu? Consult your doctor immediately if you have had contact with live birds or travelled to a country which has cases of bird flu Or call 993 for a special ambulance to take you to the Communicable Disease Centre for evaluation


Sources of information: Sources of information Internet websites www.birdflu.gov.sg www.epic.gov.sg www.ava.gov.sg www.moh.gov.sg


Sources of information: Sources of information AVA Hotline: 1800-226 2250 MOH Hotline: 1800-333-9999


ThankYou: Thank You