Avian flu and humans: Precautions to take

The risk of bird flu infecting humans is low, but caution is advised, health experts say.

Since the beginning of the year, the number of bird carcasses found by the population has been significant. Avian flu has never been so present and so virulent as this year in Quebec. The chances of a person coming across a carcass of a bird carrying the disease therefore exist, especially in areas populated by seabirds, and vigilance is therefore required.

“You have to be very careful when you find the carcass of a dead bird,” insists retired virologist Jacques Lapierre. You must wear a protective suit, have gloves and an N95 mask. We must try to incinerate the carcass, rather than putting it in the trash.”

Courtesy Photo

Jacques Lapierre

“If we are careful when handling dead birds, it would be surprising if the virus adapted to humans and then community transmission occurred,” he adds.

According to Mr. Lapierre, humans must keep a certain distance from wild species. The risk of a situation where the virus might be transmitted from animals to humans is low, but the danger is real, he stresses.

“We have become a little too friendly with wild animals,” he says. We see that some people have chicken coops in town. If you have a hen and you give it a little peck by sticking it, as I have already seen, there are risks. If migrating birds have passed through your house, the stools may have contaminated your hen. It is important to keep a certain distance with an animal.

“The immune system will tear it out”

Microbiologist Marc Hamilton agrees. Even if the risk is minimal, good hygiene measures are essential.

PHOTO COURTESY, Marc Hamilton

Marc Hamilton

“The risk is low,” says Hamilton. Generally, a virus will pass from a bird to another animal, such as a pig, before infecting humans. However, there are exceptional cases, when humans are in close contact with farm animals. There might be a mutation of an H5N1 flu that would be compatible with humans. These are flus that are much more serious than a conventional flu. The immune system will tear it up.”

“To prevent a low risk from becoming a reality, humans must avoid handling an infected animal and respect strict health rules to avoid contamination”, continues the president of Eurofins EnvironeX.

The current situation is not alarming, according to virology expert Benoit Barbeau, professor at the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM). However, he believes that an awareness is needed.

Photo Courtesy, Emilie Tournevache

Benoit Barbeau

“People need to understand that whenever they come into contact with [des individus d’] a wild animal species, they carry several viruses. A transmission can happen very quickly. Make sure you take precautions.”

Poultry farmers are also strongly sensitized by the government to comply with various biosecurity standards essential to their safety and that of their breeding.

Since 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 864 cases of avian influenza (H5N1) in humans in 18 countries, and 53% of these cases have been fatal.