Avian Influenza

Question 1

What is avian influenza? Is avian influenza (bird flu) in Australia? What is influenza A H5N1?

Answer 1

Question 2

How did this virus arise? What is Australia doing to prevent avian influenza from entering the country? Do we import live or raw chickens into Australia?

Answer 2

Question 3

Do we import eggs for consumption into Australia? Do we import cooked chickens into Australia? I have domestic birds. How would I know if my domestic birds have avian influenza?

Answer 3

Question 4

I work in an industry where I may be exposed to live chickens or poultry products. Do I need to take any special precautions? Can avian influenza infect people? Is avian influenza a quarantinable disease?

Answer 4

Question 5

What are the symptoms of avian influenza in people? What should I do if I have any of these symptoms? How is avian influenza different from normal influenza?

Answer 5

Question 6

Can avian influenza be treated with antibiotics or other drugs? If I was exposed to avian influenza in birds, how long would it take for me to become sick? Can avian influenza kill?

Answer 6

Question 7

Is there a vaccine for avian influenza in humans? Will the current influenza vaccine protect me against avian influenza? Is there treatment for avian influenza in humans?

Answer 7

Question 8

Areas of concern for avian influenza? Could a traveller bring it into Australia? I am travelling to Asia, what should I do protect myself?

Answer 8

Question 9

How is avian influenza spread to humans? Is it safe to eat cooked chicken meat? Is it safe to eat eggs? How can the virus be killed?

Answer 9

Question 10

Is avian influenza everywhere in the world? What response is occurring around the world to the outbreak of avian influenza in South East Asia? What is Australia’ response to the outbreak of avian influenza in South East Asia?

Answer 10