Epidemiology & Disease Prevention - Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health

Disease Prevention

Pandemic Flu: Frequently Asked Questions FAQ Key

Animal, Bird, Pet Safety

Are my pets at risk from this new H5N1 strain of avian influenza?
There have been reports in Europe of domestic cats becoming infected with this new strain of H5N1 avian influenza. As a general rule, pet owners should take steps to insure that pets do not interact with wildlife. This protects both wildlife and pets.

We have a small flock of chickens. Is it safe to keep them?
Yes. In the United States there is no need at present to remove a flock of chickens because of concerns regarding avian influenza. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) monitors potential infection of poultry and poultry products by avian influenza viruses and other infectious disease agents.

Is there a risk to importing pet birds that come from countries experiencing outbreaks of avian influenza A (H5N1)?
The U.S. Government has determined that there is a risk to importing pet birds from countries experiencing outbreaks of H5N1 influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have both taken action to ban the importation of birds from areas where H5N1 has been documented. There is currently a ban on the importation of birds and bird products from H5N1-affected countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

The regulation states that no person may import or attempt to import any birds (Class Aves), whether dead or alive, or any products derived from birds (including hatching eggs).

For a complete list of countries, please visit the following CDC website. (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/outbreaks/embargo.htm)

What precautions can hunters take to reduce the risk for infection from avian influenza when hunting birds in the United States?
Hunters should follow routine precautions when handling game, including wild birds. The U.S. Geological Survey's National Wildlife Health Center recommends that hunters:

do not handle or eat sick game;
wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling and cleaning game, wash hands with soap and water (or with alcohol-based hand products if the hands are not visibly soiled), and thoroughly clean knives, equipment, and surfaces that come in contact with game;
do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals;
disinfect tools, gloves, and materials that come into contact with killed birds;
place uncooked game in a plastic bag or container for transport; and
cook all game thoroughly - cooking to 165 degrees Fahrenheit kills the virus.