Lecture 27 - Avian Influenza Case Study

Describe the nomenclature of the Avian Influenza virus and characteristics

Type A RNA virus - Family Orthomyxoviridae
- H = hemagglutinin
- N = neuraminidase

Describe the natural reservoirs of Avian Influenza and disease status

Birds are hosts to all known subtypes of influenza A viruses

- Wild aquatic birds usually are infected but do not get sick

- Can infect many animals - pigs, whales, horses, dogs, seals

Describe the role of major flyways and wild birds on viral movement

Outbreaks tend to follow in areas of major flyways of migratory birds

Describe the transmission of Avian Influenza and infectivity to people

- Very rare for one person to get it from another
- Needs to be monitored for person-to-person transmission
- Can be transmitted directly from birds/contaminated areas
- Can be transmitted through an intermediate host (ex. pig)

Outline the impact of Avian Influenza on poultry industry and responders

- Very contagious among birds

- Leads to the depopulation of affected birds

- Devastating effects on businesses

- Cost to Federal taxpayers over $950 million

Outline USDA control plan for Avian Influenza

- Promoting improved farm biosecurity practices
- Improving HNAI surveillance in wild birds for "early warnings"
- Expanding Federal, state, and industry response capabilities (personnel, equipment, etc.)
- Improving capabilities to rapidly detect HNAI in domestic poultry/rapid depopulation
- Streamlining the process for payment of indemnity
- Enhancing our ability to communicate with producers/consumers/media/etc.
- Preparing to identify and deploy effective AI vaccines

Describe the impact of Avian Influenza on a social, economic, and psychological basis

- Egg/poultry prices rise rapidly
- State/county fair poultry shows cancelled
- Zoo bird exhibits close
- Leads to suicidal thoughts/depression/nightmares