Bird Flu

Well folks, it's coming and there's nothing you can do about it...Yes that's right...Bird flu!



but wait...I have NEWS for you!

I'm going to give you an explanation of how the disease spreads.

This is from an interview that I did with Dr. Jim Goltz, a vetenarian with the Government of New Brunswick.

This is what The Estate Doctors Association reports the H5N1 virus looks like.

According to Dr. Goltz the whole problem stems from infected birds. The virus can only spread to a human if they come in contact with a bird that has the virus, dead or alive.

So how does it spread?...Well Dr. Goltz says it spreads through secretions. So if a chicken or a duck were to defecate in a pool of water, and another bird or animal were to drink from that source, then that animal would be infected. Same works if the infected bird might defecate in, or close to, an area where others are feeding. Those are the only ways that it can spread.

That's also the only way it can spread to humans. Which is why many of the people who have died of the disease are farmers. Most of them have come in direct contact with an infected bird, specifically the anus, which is how they contracted it.

So how would it get into Canada? Well Dr. Goltz says there aren't a lot of ways. Although Canada is very strict about its livestock imports, accidents happen. And a bird could cross the border and into Canada. Now, keep in mind that the meat would be frozen, however the virus can live very easily in these conditions. Dr. Goltz says it actually thrives in freezing cold.

The other way it could come into Canada is smuggling, which of course is rare. But Dr. Goltz says another type of bird could have the disease, like an eagle for example, and if that's smuggled in, the virus could spread. And yet another way it could come into the country is through wild birds. That's the most likely way. Ducks and Geese traveling back to Canada after heading south for the winter, or those that might be migrating to the country might carry the virus.

So how do you NOT get infected by the Avian Influenza?

Well Dr. Goltz says just be careful. If you're a farmer, poultry in particular, or you visit a poultry farm wash up when you leave. Dr. Goltz says disinfect your hands, wash your shoes or boots, and wash your clothes. If you're handling uncooked chicken make sure you disinfect everything.

That means wiping down the counter, properly washing your utensils, and washing your hands. Dr. Goltz says that doesn't mean just rinsing. He says you have to use soap, or some disinfectant. Further more, make sure the chicken is cooked. It sounds like a no-brainer, but that's the only other way it could travel into your system. So make sure the mean is properly cooked.

Well there you have it. That's the only ways that I know of. Now I'm not an expert on this topic by any means, I suggest if you want to know more about the topic that you contact your local Bird Flu specialist (you can usually find them at the government level whether it's provincial or federal) and talk to them about any questions you have.

Enjoy!