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Risk in NZ:
If avian H5N1 enters NZ via an infected bird there is little direct human health threat as long as the virus does not establish itself in bird populations in NZ. More... |
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No Current Risk in NZ Birds:
It is also important to emphasise that, at present, the H5N1 virus does not pose a threat to human health - except in those who have contact with sick birds in the countries affected.
There are no birds infected with H5N1 in New Zealand currently.
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INFLUENZA: seasonal, avian
and pandemic
Avian
The natural host for all influenza A viruses are birds, particularly
wild water birds. All the HA and NA sub types are found in birds.
Influenza A infections are usually asymptomatic in wild birds who carry
the virus in their intestine and shed it in their saliva, nasal
secretions and faeces. They can spread the infection to domestic birds (usually faecal to oral) in whom the morbidity and mortality is usually much higher than for wild birds.
Influenza A viruses can be found in many other animal hosts, including pigs, whales, horses, seals and humans.
Each influenza virus tends to be adapted to a specific host. Therefore, it is unusual (but possible)
for humans to get infected by avian influenza viruses. In the current
outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza, it is usually people who have had
intense and close exposure to infected birds (or their droppings)
who have become infected. Given the large number of infected birds, the
fact that so far there have only been only a small number (165 up to February 2006) confirmed human cases show the current low risk from avian influenza to humans.
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