Ability to Respond Total:18 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )
Confidence:High
Confidence Notes:
Impact
Spread
Notes
Score
Spread Rate
Avian influenza viruses are highly contagious, extremely variable viruses that are widespread in birds. Epidemics of high pathogenicity avian influenza can spread rapidly, devastate the poultry industry and result in severe trade restrictions.
5
Spread Amount
The current (2003-2010) H5N1 outbreak began in poultry in Southeast Asia and has spread into domesticated or wild birds in other regions of Asia as well as parts of Europe, the Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. H5N1 has a very broad niche.
5
Damage
Notes
Score
Ecological
Can devastate native bird populations. H5N1 can persist in some environments for weeks and has been isolated from the water in ponds where ducks swim. Some migratory waterfowl appear to carry and disseminate the high pathogenicity H5N1 strains.
4
Agricultural
H5N1 can kill up to 90-100% of a poultry flock. Epidemics of H5N1 can spread rapidly, devastate the poultry industry and result in severe trade restrictions. The most recent outbreak has resulted in at least 140 million birds culled in the SE Asia region.
5
Infrastructure
0
Cultural
It's potential to irreversibly damage local bird populations would severely harm birdwatching and overall enjoyment of nature.
2
Health
It is fairly uncommon for humans to get infected with H5N1. However, as of January 2009, approximately 390 human infections had been reported, generally as the result of close contact with poultry; about two thirds of these cases were fatal.
3
Benefit
Notes
Score
Ecological
0
Agricultural
0
Infrastructure
0
Cultural
0
Health
0
Total
24
Ability to Respond
Ease of Response
Notes
Score
Detection
Avian influenza viruses can be identified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests, antigen detection or virus isolation. Pathways are known.
3
Control
Avian influenza viruses are very difficult to control due to their highly infectious nature and possibility of being spread by migratory birds. While H5N1 has been eradicated from the US, it can be reimported through trade of poultry and pets.
1
Tools in Place
Notes
Score
Entry
There are strict regulations in place to keep any infected animal out of the country as a result of trade. The fear of introduction comes from migratory birds and the possibility of a human becoming infected overseas and then returning.
4
Control
Notification is required within 24 hours of detection. Eradication is mandated.
5
Outreach
Numerous materials for farmers and the public to utilize to make them aware of H5N1, its etiology and risks.
