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Avian influenza: risk not yet averted

After outbreaks among poultry in the UK and Turkey amongst others, and against the background of migratory bird movements, it cannot be totally ruled out that the poultry contracts avian influenza – also in Germany. For humans the risk of an infection via contact with infected birds is low, but has to be taken seriously.

Outbreaks among poultry in the UK, Hungary, the European part of Russia, and in the South-East of Turkey:  in view of the movements of migratory birds the risk of an infection of poultry with the influenza A virus of subtype H5N1 persists – also in Germany. Although the  risk of humans contracting avian influenza through infected poultry or wild birds is classified to be low,   it should be taken seriously. In case of finding water birds or birds of prey, it is strongly recommended to contact the responsible Veterinary Office, the municipality, or the rural district.

According to the RKI (Robert Koch-Institute), the risk of a development of a new  virus, which could cause a worldwide wave of influenza (pandemic), did not change significantly during the past months. The pandemic risk is only given if the pathogen is able to efficiently spread from human to human.

An information folder on avian influenza can be requested from  BODE  by e-mail (subject: Folder Avian Influenza):

Further information on avian influenza:

Robert Koch-Institute (German Central Federal institution responsible for disease control and prevention)
www.rki.de

Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (German Federal Research Institute for
Animal Health)
www.fli.bund.de

Promed (Global electronic reporting system for outbreaks
of emerging infectious diseases & toxins)
www.promedmail.org.

(Last update: February 2007)