The Avian bird flu is a severe threat to poultry, causing widespread germs that are often fatal, but it is also potentially a threat for people. A handful of people have been affected by this deadly influenza. Though it is well-known is Asia, it has also been transferred from birds to people living in Hong Kong, dubbing it the Hong Kong bird flu.
What is the Hong Kong Bird Flu?
The Hong Kong bird flu is a spin off from the Asian bird flu. It is an influenza that has effected birds in China, and recently in Hong Kong. It is easily transferred from bird to bird and can be the cause of widespread disease in a flock of birds. Farmers have had to slaughter dozens of birds infected by the flu in an effort to prevent further spreading and avoid transferring the flu to people. In humans, the flu symptoms are masked until it is too late, making it a silent killer.
How is the Hong Kong Bird Flu Spread
You can't catch the Hong Kong bird flue by eating chicken or simply handling a bird. The Hong Kong bird flu is only spread through the saliva and feces of the birds. The germs are easily shared among the birds for this reason. Pigs and other farm animals have been at risk because they bath in the same water the ducks and geese defecate in. There is also the slight risk of a threat to humans. Farmers are especially susceptible because they may come in contact with the saliva and feces. Most likely, they would come in contact with eroding feces that is from an infected bird.
The Hong Kong Bird Flu Pandemic
There is always a concern for what will be the next pandemic and how it can be prevented. The last pandemic started in Hong Kong in 1968 and claimed the lives of 45,000 people. That is certainly nothing to scoff at, not is it something we can afford to ignore as we look to the next possible pandemic. Since there is a real possibility of the Hong Kong bird flu becoming the next pandemic, threats are being taken seriously and precautions are taken to the next level. Farmers are required to report any instances of the bird flu as authorities step up the search for the Hong Kong bird flu.
