News Feature                   For Immediate Release

November 3, 2005

Poultry Workers Urged to get Flu Vaccination

Public Health recommends a flu shot for everyone working in the poultry industry. Vaccination is especially important for those working in direct contact with avian influenza-infected birds during culling operations.  The flu vaccine prevents the human strain of influenza, not the avian flu.  However, the two viruses could “mix” and create a new virus strain in a person not immunized who becomes infected with both the human and avian flu at the same time,  The new strain could be very virulent and spread from person to person causing a worldwide influenza outbreak or pandemic.

The Chicken Farmers of Canada state “Immunization with the current season flu vaccine is important, though, for those in close contact with infected poultry because it may reduce the likelihood that a worker would be infected with both the human and avian forms of influenza at the same time, which could pose a greater risk.”

The influenza A (H5N1) strain, also known as the bird flu, is a lethal virus that occurs primarily in poultry and migrating waterfowl. This strain can be transmitted from bird to bird. Hong Kong reported the first human infections and deaths in 1997. Scientists, virologists and researchers from around the world became alarmed about a future worldwide outbreak of influenza resulting in the subsequent slaughter of more than a million chickens.

H5N1 avian outbreaks among poultry and other birds have been reported in South East Asia, Russia and Kazakhstan. Human cases caused by the avian influenza virus have occurred in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand.  

Touching infected birds or coming into contact with their droppings is the main way the virus spreads. The disease can also spread through contaminated surfaces, such as equipment, vehicles and feed, and then taken to other farms or poultry markets. Domestic poultry, such as chickens and turkeys, are particularly susceptible. The greatest risk of spreading this infection from birds to humans is at the time of slaughtering, defeathering, preparation, handling, and cooking of poultry.  If your job involves direct contact with poultry, a flu shot is highly recommended.

For more information contact Public Health at 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Karen Sweiger

Program Manager, Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Grey Bruce Health Unit

376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext.230