Bird Flu
Click HERE for BIRD FLU - A VIRUS BY OUR OWN HATCHING
by
Michael Greger, M.D.,
Director of Public Health and Animal Agriculture at The Humane Society of the United States.
_______________________
The Conservative Animal Welfare Group
215a Canterbury Road,
Birchington,
Kent. CT7 9AH
Tel: 01843 848588 (a.m.) - Fax: 01843 844856 (24hr)
CAWG's View - Avian 'Flu
From: Suzy Gale
Sept. 21st., 2005
Bird flu (avian flu) is an infections caused by a range of viruses that are commonly found in the intestines of many birds. Most wild birds can be carriers without being ill although sometimes domestic birds do not have the same degree of resilience and can become ill.
Within the range of bird flu viruses the so-called Group A have a range of subtypes, which differ because of variations in some of the surface proteins. Within the sub-groups there are currently 16 different haemaggltinin (HA) and 9 different neuramidase (NA) proteins. Thus there are many different possible combinations. By slight changes in the protein structures these viruses can change their behaviour and infectivity.
There are essentially three main types of human flu virus the subtypes H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2. In all probability these human flu viruses came (at least in part) from viruses that originally infested birds and have simply mutated by making slight changes to their structure.
Most if not all the viruses within the Group A are constantly changing to a greater or lesser extent and can thus become infective (at least theoretically) to other species.
The concern at present is with a specific sub strain of avian type A flu virus called H5N1.
This H5N1 virus subtype can cause a range of symptoms if humans become infected. (and this is one of the concerning aspects of this particular virus i.e. that it can infect humans). These symptoms range from fever, cough and sore throat right up to a severe and acute pulmonary distress syndrome, which can frequently be fatal. In acute cases the virus itself stimulates a massive inflammatory response within the lung tissue, which overwhelms the body's ability to cope.
The virus is spread from bird to bird (and thus potentially from bird to human) by virus particles in their saliva, nasal secretions and faeces (droppings). It is believed that most human infections have derived from direct contact with the feathers or tissues of affected birds rather than the casual contact with bird droppings.
Generally there is little risk to humans from bird flu but when a subtype mutates (changes) to develop characteristics that enable it to infect humans the risk is greater. Even this does not pose a serious threat to man but when the mutation occurs that enables the virus to be spread from one person to another the whole situation changes and we have the potential for a pandemic.
What is different about H5N1?
Influenza H5N1 was first recorded in birds (terns) in South Africa in 1961. Within the bird population this virus is easily spread and can be fatal.
In 2003 the same virus spread into the domestic poultry in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos and South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. During 2003 and 2004 over 100 million domestic birds either died or were slaughtered (frequently under most inhumane conditions).
By the end of 2004 human infections of the virus had been reported in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia. The first case of a bird to human infection was reported in Hong Kong in 1997.
To date (October 2005) of the humans that have become infected roughly 50% have died. There is conjecture that some of these cases might have been human-human contact. If this is so then H5N1 may be developing that ability to spread within the human population. It appears that there is very little natural immunity to H5N1 in the human population.
Will H5N1 reach the UK?
There is debate about the risk to the UK from migrating birds. In theory it is probably unlikely that infected migratory birds would actually make the journey as they would be likely to be somewhat weakened. However should they die or rest en route in their direct migration they pose a potential risk by infecting other migratory birds who can make the rest of the journey. Probably a weakened bird will excrete a higher virus load than a healthy bird.
The view of the President of the British Veterinary Association, Dr Bob McCracken, is that spread to the UK is inevitable at some time.
What should the UK do?
Despite the press leaks of drug stockpiling and lists of special people who the Government has designated for priority treatment there are a few simple steps that should be done immediately.
1: The most likely entry port for the disease is through migrating birds and waterfowl in particular. We believe that fairly close contact is required for human transmission.
We suggest that measures should be put in place on UK coastlines and migratory points to warn people not to handle any injured or dying birds. We suggest that anyone seeing such a bird should report the matter to DEFRA and for their staff to take over the responsibility pf collecting, identifying and assessing the disease status of any such birds.
Currently most people finding an ill bird will take it to their local veterinary surgeon for either treatment or euthanasia. This is not a wise way to proceed under the present situation.
2: Currently there is no overt risk to our free-range domestic poultry industry but steps should be taken and plans put in place to move these to protected indoor facilities should the need arise.
We suggest that a comprehensive plan of action is drawn up to house all currently free-range birds should the need arise. There needs to be attention to the definition of "free-range" under such circumstances.
Provisional plans should be made for the mass slaughter of all poultry should this become necessary. It is essential that in the circumstances when this becomes necessary the slaughter should be undertaken humanely and with minimal suffering.
3: It is wise to stockpile vaccines as they are available to protect the human population. It seems likely that sufficient vaccines will not be available until 2007 and it must be considered possible that by that time the virus itself may have mutated again to make such a vaccine relatively impotent. Apart from vaccines it is advised that work into other forms of treatment and in particular into the pathogenicity of the disease receives a priority so that, in the unlikely event of a pandemic developing, we do not have to rely solely upon one form of protection.
We suggest the funding of a specific research project into avian flu and its pathogenesis in the human to be instigated and to consider all the possible ways of combating acute respirator disease. Whist particularly relevant to any potential outbreak of H5N1 disease we believe that there are many benefits to be gained from a close and well-funded project to consider acute lung disease from any source.
The statistics of a pandemic
In 1918 it is reported that some 50-60 million people died world wide in the flu pandemic that traversed the world. In any such disease outbreak there are a number of factors that increase an individual's susceptibility to serious disease.
1: General bodily condition, dietary status and immune status of the individual.
2: The population density within a given location. The higher the population density the greater the likelihood of contracting the disease.
3: The medical facilities available to an individual.
4: The home support and care that can be provided
Factors that increase the risk of the disease spreading
1: As above, the population density is important.
2: The amount of personal movement within a population and in particular the amount of long distance travel.
3: The individual's care and hygiene status.
4: here is little evidence that infection is likely to be spread by contaminated material but in a high infectivity environment vehicle and even personal decontamination might have to be considered.
There are clearly major decisions that might have to be made in the event of a pandemic similar to that in 1918. The cost to the economy would be extremely high both in terms of actually treating those affected (probably 5-20% of the entire population) and on rebuilding a fractured society after such a catastrophe.
The UK is better situated than many countries to withstand such a pandemic as it has several advantages:
1: Being an island it is easier to restrict movement should the need arise. Reduced personal movement results in reduced levels of infection.
2: The medical facilities in the UK are reasonably good and the knowledge and understanding of the population is good. The UK has good communication facilities which makes the implementation of control measures more effective.
3: The climate may not be the most ideal for this particular virus which appears to succeed best in warmer climates.
Conclusion
There is no need to take more than precautionary measures at the present time. However now is the time to put in place some early warning measures with the aim of learning as much as possible about the disease and also of being aware as soon as infected birds do reach the UK.
CAWG agrees with Dr McCracken in that it is inevitable that this disease will reach the shores of the UK at some time. We need to be controlled, we need to be prepared and we need to be informed. It is time for the Government to act now and to put these processes into effect.
For further information or comment, please contact:
ROGER BAKER MRCVS 01227 264713
Autumn, 2005.
The Price of The Crime !
We read it in the newspapers, we hear it on the radio every day, every hour, that hundreds of thousands, nay, millions of chickens, geese, ducks and turkeys are being pitilessly exterminated all over the world. We see them on television running for life, desperately flapping their wings, we hear their cries of terror as they are brutally grasped by men in masks and overalls, piled on top of each other in containers and either gassed or burned alive or thrown into pits and buried alive. And we accept it. There is no outcry, no protest, no scream of indignation. Even the World Federation for the Protection of Animals (WFPA) is keeping quiet. Nobody dares to accuse the administrations who are responsible for this and raise their voices to say out loud that this is not a way to treat sensitive, living beings, and that this is a crime and a heavy collective guilt for which we unfailingly will have to pay.
The price may be the loss of our migratory birds, along with the devastating and unimaginable consequences for the environment and for our own survival.
Migratory birds with their potential to spread avian flue have suddenly become the mortal enemies of man. "Killerenten" killer ducks is the name given by a popular Swiss newspaper to the innocent wild ducks and geese that are flying into our lands at this time, day after day, to pass the winter on our lakes. And in certain eastern European countries we can already see hoards of humans roaming about destroying birds nests in panic-stricken fear of some hypothetic virus. In blind and furious determination they are demolishing and burning down nesting areas and barricading all openings to cow sheds with netting and meshing to stop swallows from building their nests under the roofs and beams a clear death sentence for that already heavily threatened species of birds.
What in heaven's name has yet to happen before we recognise in our unrestrained consumption of meat and our abject and highly dangerous methods of factory farming the very source of our misery? How much more hardship, suffering and catastrophes still need to occur before we understand that the vile and stupid maxim of "mankind before all else" is leading us to ruin?
October 2005
FRANZ WEBER FOUNDATION, Switzerland
Fondation Franz Weber
1820 Montreux
Switzerland
Tél. +41 (0) 21 964 42 84
Fax +41 (0) 21 964 57 36
Stop Press !
Michael Greger, MD, director of Public Health and Animal Agriculture for
The Humane Society of the United States, is pleased to announce the
The web site includes several features that address agribusiness and
health issues surrounding avian influenza, including:
* The complete and unabridged text of Dr. Greger's upcoming book, Bird
Flu: A Virus of Our Own Hatching, scheduled to be released in November
2006 from Lantern Books (hardcover, 465 pages).
* All 3,000+ citations hyperlinked.
* Dr. Greger's speaking dates.
* Information about the connection between factory farming and bird
flu.
* Background information, articles, and hundreds of full-text
scientific papers.
* Advice for preventing and preparing for future flu pandemics.
We invite you to browse the site and bookmark it as a useful reference.
_____________________________________
January 12th., 2007
Help Bird Flu go viral !
The Humane Society of the United States is pleased to announce the launch of a powerful new advocacy tool: our new bird flu video, available at http://birdflubook.org/g.php?id=6.
The video features Michael Greger, MD, author of Bird Flu: A Virus of Our Own Hatching and director of Public Health and Animal Agriculture for The HSUS.
It offers a concise overview of the relationship between factory farming and bird flu, including:
* How factory farms may have led to the emergence of H5N1.
* The connection between the 1918 flu pandemic and the threat we face today.
* How moving away from factory farms may rob the virus of opportunities to jeopardize the lives of millions of people.
Please take a look at the four-minute video and pass it on to your family and friends! The entire book is available for free online at http://www.BirdFluBook.org.
Best Regards,
Alyson Bodai
Alyson Bodai
Outreach Coordinator
Factory Farming Campaign
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St., NW
Washington, DC 20037
301-721-6422
_____________________________
Here a quack, there a quackevery where a quack quack.
a poem by our friend Dr. Leo Rebello
At the Quack Conference organised
By Quackery International
There were more than 10,000 quacks
All paid for by the "phamous" (p)harmaceuticals
I can repair your brain quack,
I can repair your heart quack,
I can repair your kidneys quack,
I can replace your knee quack,
I can operate your piles quack,
I can treat your pimples quack.
Quack-quack they did all morning
Then they all broke for lunch.
Over the lunch they did more quack-quack
With colas, beers and dead goats,
Chickens and ducks. Till a spoil-sport
Vegetarian quack reminded them that
They may get Bird Flu if they ate dead birds
Injected by Tamy Flu.
Afternoon session of quacks
Consisted of further quack-quack.
First spoke Cancer quack,
Then spoke Diabetes quack,
Then spoke Hypertension quack.
The Asthma quack carried his
Pump and went on quack, quack, quack
Till a young quack snatched
His pump to make him stop his quack.
At the Valedictory session spoke a
Spiritually evolved quack of
Body, Mind and Spirit Holism.
But the "spare parts dealers" not accustomed
To such quack started walking away
Uttering quack-quack, quack-quack.
Here a quack, there a quack
Everywhere a quack-quack
Sang the slum children outside
The Quack-Quack conference venue.
_______
UK Government Recommends Vegan Diet!
Britain may need to ration animal products such as meat, chicken and dairy products such as milk and cheese if climate change runs out of control, suggests environment minister Ben Bradshaw.
Mr Bradshaw pointed out that livestock based food production did just as much damage as private transport and housing.
He spoke out as a new government website advised shoppers to help the planet by avoiding meat and cheese...
- End -
Cockfighting and the Spread of Bird Flu
