May 9, 2006
There has been much coverage in the news lately on the topic of avian influenza (often referred to as “bird flu”), and its potential impacts on humans, as well as wildlife and companion animals.

PAWS shares the community’s concern about the issue of avian influenza, particularly the Asian strain of the virus called H5N1, and the potential for its emergence in our area. We are in close communication with the agencies involved in the detection of this avian influenza virus should it appear in wild birds in Washington State. (For some time, PAWS has actively participated in the statewide monitoring efforts for various diseases of public health concern, such as the West Nile Virus.)

The H5N1 Asian avian influenza virus has not been found in the United States, and there are no confirmed reports of the virus being transmitted from person to person anywhere in the world. Influenza viruses can evolve to affect additional species of animals, including humans. But it is important to understand that avian influenza and “pandemic flu” are not the same thing.

Information about avian influenza and wild birds is available from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Web site at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/factshts/avian_flu.htm

Information about the issues relating to poultry and backyard flocks is provided at the Washington State Department of Agriculture Web site: http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AnimalHealth/Diseases/AvianInfluenza/default.asp

Information about avian influenza and public health is online at Washington State Department of Health Web site at:

http://www.doh.wa.gov/panflu/