The Avian Flu and your pet bird

Avian influenza (AI)

Many pet bird owners have expressed concern regarding the recent discovery of avian flu virus in several ducks in Quebec. This virus has been identified as an H5N? virus, which is the same type as the AI virus responsible for the poultry and some human deaths in Asia, more specifically, the H5N1 virus. At present, the subtype of the Quebec virus has not been determined (the N number). So just what do these letters and numbers mean?

There are three types of influenza virus: type A viruses primarily infect birds and mammals; types B and C preferentially infect humans. Under normal circumstances, these viruses do not cross over from one species to another. Avian Influenza (AI) is a type A virus which is further subdivided into subtypes determined by the protein content of the viral membrane: H 1 through 16 and N 1 through 9. A majority of AI viruses are benign, with H5 and H7 strains being more virulent. H5N1 virus belongs to this group.

The H5N1 virus has decimated poultry farms in China, Thailand, Romania and Russia. Lately it was found in a swan in Croatia and a parrot in the UK (keep in mind that this poor bird was in quarantine and came from Suriname, had been exposed to AI infected birds in Taiwan, so it was not a household pet.) In addition to infecting birds, this virus was responsible for the deaths of a certain number of humans and this aberration occurred because these individuals had been exposed to very large concentrations of the virus.

All birds, from ducks to parrots are susceptible to AI, but all may not experience the same gravity of symptoms. Clinical signs of an infected bird may range from mild depression and loss of appetite, to runny nose and eyes, and diarrhea; in some birds the disease will progress causing neurological signs such as loss of balance, hemorrhages and death.

Are our birds in immediate danger? No. Firstly, the virus found has not been identified as a H5N1 (and remember the ducks it was found in are well and free, which would not be the case with a virulent strain). Secondly, even if an H5N1 strain were found, there are many ways to protect our pet birds.

Aquatic migratory birds have long been suspected of acting as a reservoir for the AI virus. These viruses multiply and mutate in these populations. The stagnant ponds and waterbeds are contaminated and serve as a vehicle for the transmission of the virus. Most birds in these populations remain asymptomati , except if exposed to a more virulent strain, such as members of the H5 and H7 families. When these carrier birds touch down on their migration paths, their secretions and feces contaminate fields and new waterbeds. Birds living in these areas (wild local birds, free range and backyard poultry for instance) can be infected.

Since the transmission of the AI virus requires contact with secretions or droppings from an infected bird, the chances of our pet birds, who are housed indoors, becoming infected are minimal. In addition, even though the AI virus can survive a few weeks in water and biological debris, it is quite easily destroyed by common detergents and disinfectants. The best way to protect your pets (and yourself) if to thoroughly wash your hands with soap. If you are concerned that you may have walked on contaminated soil, remove your shoes before entering your home and cleanse the soles. For those who partake in hunting, the risk of exposure is greater, and these individuals should double up on precautions by removing exposed clothing and washing thoroughly before coming into contact with their pet birds.