Introduction

Avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by influenza A viruses. The re-emergence of a highly pathogenic form of the A/H5N1 virus in 2003 has led to widespread infection in domestic poultry flocks in 12 countries and the culling of many millions of birds in an attempt to contain the spread of infection. WHO and influenza experts are concerned that the A/H5N1 virus might spark the next human influenza pandemic because it has crossed the species barrier on at least 3 occasions since 1997 when 18 cases and 6 deaths occurred in Hong Kong. Since January 2003 up until October 2007, 330 human cases and 202 deaths have been reported to the WHO, a third occurring in Indonesia. The virus has met all the prerequisites for the start of a pandemic other than the ability to transmit efficiently between humans. However, the possibility that other avian influenza viruses might cause the next pandemic cannot be ruled out.

Below you will find a range of resources are listed providing background information and interim health advice for poultry and associated industries.

Guidelines

Resources

Travel health. Have you recently arrived or returned from overseas? (Poster) (PDF 106KB)