Fencing out the bird flu

Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Farmers who practise integrated farming must separate the various animals with fences to reduce the risk of H5N1 avian influenza virus transmission.
Although the fencing might cost farmers some money initially, this would be beneficial in the long run, said Dr B. Venugopalan, technical officer at the World Health Organisation representative office for Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore here yesterday.
While pigs were good hosts for avian influenza viruses as well as human influenza viruses, ducks were carriers of the virus even though they were not infected, he said at the Avian Influenza (H5N1) editors briefing.
Besides good husbandry practice, contact between poultry and wild birds too should be minimised, he said.
“Although Malaysia had no cases of humans infected by the H5N1 avian influenza, the momentum of preparedness has to be sustained for years to come,” he said.
“We cannot be complacent because in some countries, outbreaks and deaths are still being reported,” he said.
From December 2003 to October this year, 10 countries reported cases of human avian influenza H5N1 infection. Vietnam reported the highest number of cases – 93, with 42 deaths. Indonesia reported 72 cases with 55 deaths.
The spread of the virus from animals to humans was currently not efficient.
However, if the avian influenza virus combined with human influenza virus to create a new human influenza that could spread from humans to humans, it would cause a global outbreak, said Dr Venugopalan.

This can occur when:
·A PIG absorbs the bird flu virus from birds and humans, brings about a mutated strain and passes it to someone who is suffering from human influenza;
·A PERSON absorbs avian influenza virus and human flu virus and spreads a mutated version of the virus to another person; or
·A PERSON who has human influenza virus absorbs avian flu virus from a bird.

For H5N1 treatment, the anti-viral drug has to be taken within 48 hours for it to be effective, but often patients come after that, thinking that they only had common colds, Dr Venugopalan said.
Nevertheless, the drug could still reduce some of the virus.
He said it was not advisable for people to stock up anti-viral drugs at home because the drugs need a doctor's prescription and if not taken in the right dosage, drug resistance might occur.
People must maintain a basic hygiene routine such as washing hands and covering one's mouth and nose when sneezing, he said.
“Vigilance is crucial. And it's not just about monitoring avian flu but having good health,” he said.