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OH&S - Avian Flu

What is avian influenza?
There are many types of influenza viruses that usually only infect birds, these are called 'avian' influenza viruses. The current viral subtype (called H5N1) predominately infects birds, however there have been small numbers of laboratory confirmed cases of human infection

The disease, which was first identified in Italy more than 100 years ago, occurs worldwide. While all bird species are believed to be susceptible to Avian Influenza, wild waterfowl and domestic poultry, including chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys, are particularly susceptible to epidemics of rapidly fatal influenza. Outbreaks of Avian Influenza are usually brought under control by extensive culling of domestic poultry stocks.

Is bird flu currently spread from person to person?
NO, To date, there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission, with those infected appearing to have been so via contact with diseased birds For more information, see the World Health Organization's Fact Sheet on Avian Influenza .

Is avian influenza in Australia ?
NO . To date there is no reported cases of avian influenza in either birds or humans.

Does a vaccine currently exist for avian influenza?
NO , an Avian Influenza vaccine is not yet available, although researchers are currently working to develop one. When a vaccine will be available remains unknown.

What does avian influenza do?
Avian influenza in humans causes flu-like signs/symptoms (fever, cough, muscle aches and pains, fatigue and sore throat) and in some cases death. Exact symptoms, incubation period, severity and duration of the illness is variable and to some extent still unknown as there have been a limited amount of human cases.

Symptoms appear somewhere between three to seven days after exposure and last approximately one week. People are infectious for approximately seven days (children are thought to be infectious for approximately 21 days.

Can I travel overseas? What is the risk to me as a traveller?
YES . To date Australia has not placed any restrictions or advised against travel to any country based on the risk of avian influenza alone. Reliable and up to date information for people travelling overseas is available from the Australian Government 'Smart Traveller' website. It is advisable to check this site regularly and subscribe to the email service offered.

 Can avian influenza be treated?
YES, Anti-viral medication (trade names Relenza and Tami-flu) can be used to treat avian influenza. Availability of this medication is limited. Speak to your pharmacist or health professional for further advice and information.

 If I travel overseas, how can I reduce the risk of infection?

Swinburne University of Technology staff and students travelling to areas affected by avian influenza can further reduce their risk of infection by: 

• avoiding situations where they may come into contact with farms and live bird markets;
  
• ensuring all uncooked poultry and eggs are handled hygienically, with careful attention to hand washing after handling, and then cooked thoroughly as proper cooking destroys the virus in poultry and eggs;
  
• careful attention to personal hygiene and hand washing.

Further information/advice

 Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
A national information phone line for enquiries from the public is provided by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. Telephone 1800 004 599 8.30am to 5.00pm EST – Monday to Friday( * A recorded message is activated after hours)

Avianinfluenza.com - recently launched by Tony Abbott, Federal Minister for Health and Ageing

Better Health Channel - consumer fact sheet

Smart Traveller - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Department of Human Services (Victoria) - information from the Chief Health Officer and related links

Swinburne Process
Swinburne will continue to monitor the situation with respect to Avian Influenza and advise staff accordingly if it becomes necessary to institute particular safety measures.