News Feature                   For Immediate Release

November 25, 2004

Public Health Urges Poultry Workers to Get Flu Shot

Those in close contact with live poultry should get the flu vaccination; it could reduce the likelihood of a worker being infected with both human and avian flu at the same time.  If this happened, the two viruses could possibly "mix" and create a new virus to which people are not immune.

Avian influenza is a contagious viral infection that can affect all bird species. Symptoms range from mild infection to severe epidemics that kill up to 100% of infected birds. Rarely, people can contract avian flu from birds or from avian-virus-contaminated environments. The people most at risk are those in close contact with poultry.

In poultry rearing systems, fattening turkeys and laying hens are the most affected. Wild birds may carry flu viruses without becoming ill due to natural resistance. Wild waterfowl are a natural reservoir for flu viruses and can introduce it to domestic poultry.

For more information please contact Public Health at 376-9420, 1-800-263-3456 or visit us on the web at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca. 

For more information:

Karen Sweiger

Program Manager, Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

881-1920 ext.230