Avian Influenza

 H5N1 avian influenza is predominantly a disease of birds. The virus does not pass easily from birds to people and does not pass from person to person (except in very rare cases of close contact with an infected blood relative). Human infection with the H5N1 virus is still a rare occurrence. Direct contact with infected poultry or surfaces and objects contaminated by their feces is considered the main route of human infection. The most likely routes of exposure include slaughtering, defeathering, butchering and preparation of poultry for cooking.

The risk to humans from avian influenza is believed to be very low and no travel restrictions are advised. Travellers should avoid visiting animal markets, poultry farms and other places where they may come into contact with live or dead poultry, or domestic, caged or wild birds and their excretions. Travellers are also advised to: cook poultry and egg dishes thoroughly. (Well-cooked poultry is safe to eat). Wash hands frequently with soap and water if around poultry.

The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend travel restrictions to countries experiencing outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in birds, including countries which have reported cases of human infection.

Risk of Avian Influenza is present in the following countries:

• Azerbaijan
• Bangladesh
• Cambodia
• China
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Indonesia
• Iraq
• Laos
• Myanmar (Burma)
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Thailand
• Togo
• Turkey
• Vietnam