From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2006-08-18 15:10:44 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: bird flu
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Yes, the current bird flu found is a LOW pathogenic one.
Ferrets do still get avian influenza, though.
There is a little new info now, but not much will be available until the further testing that is being done on those specimens in a lab in Iowa is finished.
1. It might be an Asian low pathogenic strain (What was first reported.) that made it here.
2. The swans could have two separate simultaneous influenzas one with an H5 component and one with an N1 component. (Reported a couple of hours later.)
3. The swans might actually have an American H5 strain that hasn't been seen in a long time instead of the Asian strain.
FYI: the reason that H5 and H7 strains are followed closely when other H number strains are not is because these are strains mutate easily. I don't know why, only that they do. This does not mean that all which mutate will become highly pathogenic, of course. Given how rare that is historically I think everyone knows that. Even when they do become highly pathogenic, like some current strains in Asia, Africa, and Europe are now, they do not always become readily contagious. As everyone knows, the current strains of the highly pathogenic forms are not easily contagious but are being closely observed in case further mutations change two factors.
Thanks so much, Vivian, for sending further information.
I was very worried that there might be a general panic attack, as has happened with some other things and wanted to stave that off, but luckily, people have been fine with the news.
Yes, the more serious strains will eventually be in North America but are not here now, and this year is considered a possibility for that. As time goes on, more knowledge is gained. For instance, a new study from Edinburgh indicates that when poultry flocks are vaccinated the need with the current strains is to have at least 95% of the birds effectively vaccinated:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-08/uoe-bfs081606.php
to achieve safety
Author wrote:
> I have contacted the DNR and the health department about the bird flu found
> not far from me. It is not the deadly strain going around in other parts of
> the wold. The only precautions needed is no more then any other strain of
> flu . Pointe Mouillee state game area is only about 5 minute drive from me
> so when the news broke this story they got flooded with calls from the area
> residents. I also called my vets office the same day wondering if I should
> take extra precautions . Their response is no more then any other strain of
> flu. I've been told they will notify all residents if the deadly strain is
> found. They said it is only a matter of time before it comes to Michigan.
>
>
> VIVIAN BARNES
> vivianbarnes@chartermi.net
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