Food Safety-Induction Package

Induction Package

Haryati’s Research Part...

My tasks from the HFLA template are as follows:-
I’m assigned to do the following questions based on the different learning issues:-

The learning issues are:-
1) What is avian flu virus?
2) What are the possible sources of contamination of this virus?

After doing some research, this is what I came out with….

Learning issue (No. 1) - What is avian flu virus?

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These influenza viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them.”
It was also mentioned that avian influenza is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds very sick and eventually it kills.

Learning issue (No. 2) - What are the possible sources of contamination of this virus?

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Based on the key facts by the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the possible sources of contamination of the Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) is when susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated secretions or excretions or with surfaces that are contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds. This is because infected birds shed influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and faeces.

Domesticated birds may become infected with avian influenza virus through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated with the virus.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

The “low pathogenic and high pathogenic” form

Based on the key facts by the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Infected birds or poultry with avian influenza virus causes two main forms of disease. They are the “low pathogenic and high pathogenic” form. The “low pathogenic” form may go undetected and usually causes only mild symptoms (such as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production). However, the highly pathogenic form spreads more rapidly through flocks of poultry. This form may cause disease that affects multiple internal organs and has a mortality rate that can reach 90-100% often within 48 hours.

Reference

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2006) Key Facts About Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) and Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus. Retrieved April 2, 2007 from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/facts.htm