Avian Flu Not a Danger for North American Bird Watchers

Because of recent media attention about avian flu, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has received numerous inquiries from people who are worried about the possible danger of avian flu in the United States. Currently, avian flu is not a danger for people who watch or feed birds in North America.

Since January 2004, the known human cases of avian flu have all occurred in Southeast Asia. Almost all of these infections were contracted by people who handle chickens. Migratory waterfowl and shorebirds can carry avian flu; infected birds have been found in Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Russia.

However, according to Alfonso Torres of Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine, "When experts look at the maps of the areas affected by avian influenza in Asia and they look at the flying pathways of migratory waterfowl, there is not an overlap. Waterfowl are not the culprit for what is happening in Asia." (see Cornell Helps Monitor Path of Avian Flu Virus)

Why are people worried? One concern is that this particular virus could mutate and become more contagious, possibly spreading from person to person. Another concern is that the flu could be imported into this country through infected poultry. Public health officials are already working to ensure that this doesn't happen.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service recently launched a web site entitled Avian Influenza in Wild Birds--Sources of Information. This educational document can be viewed at http://migratorybirds.fws.gov.

For additional information about avian flu:

World Health Organization

Birdlife International

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Alaska Department of Fish and Game