Michigan Governor Issues Statement on Bird Flu [Press Release]
SooToday.com
14 Aug 2006
David Helwig
Avian influenza strain collected in Michigan poses no human health risk.
State officials today said that a low pathogenic strain of avian influenza collected last week in mute swans from a state game area poses no human health risk and that there is no indication that commercial poultry flocks were exposed to the swans. Officials from the Michigan Departments of Natural Resources (DNR), Agriculture (MDA) and Community Health (DCH) today addressed concerns surrounding recent avian influenza surveillance efforts in Monroe County.
Test results from wild mute swans from the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area indicated the possible presence of low pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza but ruled out the possibility of the highly pathogenic strain as seen in Asia, Europe and Africa.
"We have a detailed and comprehensive plan for avian influenza in our state, which includes a proactive surveillance program," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. We will continue to be vigilant in our surveillance and response and keep the public well informed with accurate and timely information."
Avian Influenza Low Pathogenic H5N1 vs. Highly Pathogenic H5N1 [Press Release]
USDA
14 Aug 2006
There are two types of avian influenza (AI) that are both identified as H5N1. A difference exists in the virus classification; one is low-pathogenicity (LPAI) and the other is high-pathogenicity (HPAI). Pathogenicity refers to the ability of the virus to produce disease.
HPAI H5N1, often referred to as the "Asian" H5N1, is the type causing worldwide concern. LPAI H5N1, often referred to as the "North American" H5N1, is less concerning. Following is an explanation of the differences between them.
LPAI H5N1 ("North American" H5N1)
LPAI, or "low path" AI, commonly occurs in wild birds. In most cases, it causes minor symptoms or no noticeably symptoms. It is rarely fatal in birds. These strains of the virus are not a human health concern. This includes LPAI H5N1.
Suspected Case of H5N1 Bird Flu in Rotterdam Zoo
Reuters AlertNet
12 Aug 2006
Two young owls which died in a zoo in Rotterdam are suspected of having the H5N1 bird flu virus, the Dutch farm ministry said late on Saturday. The Netherlands, Europe's second biggest poultry producer after France, has never reported a case of the highly pathogenic avian flu strain which is endemic in parts of Asia and has spread to birds in a number of European Union countries.
A ministry spokeswoman said further tests were being conducted, but it was suspected that the birds died of a highly pathogenic strain of the virus. Final test results are due in the coming days.
The H5N1 virus has spread rapidly from late 2003 from Asia to Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The virus can occasionally infect people and has killed 138 people over the past three years, according to figures from the World Health Organisation.
Transcript of USDA and DOI Avian Influenza Media Briefing August 14, 2006 - Washington, D.C.
USDA
14 Aug 2006
MS. TERRI TEUBER: Good morning, everyone. This morning we'd like to provide an update on the Wild Bird Monitoring Program being conducted as an interagency project. With us today to offer some comments are Dr. Ron DeHaven, the administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Dr. Sue Haseltine, associate director for Biology at the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Geological Survey; and Dr. Bill Raub, science advisor to the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
If you'd like spelling on any of those names, I'd be happy to assist you with those afterwards. And with that, I'm going to turn it over to Dr. Ron DeHaven.
DR. RON DEHAVEN: Thank you, Terri. Routine surveillance testing has indicated the possible presence of H5N1 avian influenza subtypes in wild mute swans in the state of Michigan. Testing has ruled out the possibility that this is the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus that has spread through much of Asia, Europe and Africa. And I want to repeat that. This is not the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that has spread through much of other parts of the world.
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