The panic which has emanated via Brussels and the British Media regarding Avian Influenza Virus must concern all those keeping poultry. Fortunately the statements seen in the Press and on Television have little if any foundation.
The type of AIV being reported via the outbreak in Russia as H5N1 is not based on any scientific evidence. The fact is that no one knows which type it is, the Russians for one reason or another have not informed the EU or the World in general.
The media are having a great time with headlines as, although not saying it, are suggesting that if humans were to catch poultry flue it would become pandemic killing thousands of people.
Reference is given to the human flu in 1918 which killed a vast number of people and again Spanish flu. None of these had or have any connection with Bird flu and it is very irresponsible to even hint at this.
For bird flu to get into the human chain it would have to come via pigs.
To date there is no scientific evidence to show that it has done so, if it were to at some later date then a vaccine would have to be made. No protective vaccine can be made for a hypothetical disease.
The Dutch Government over reacted by putting a closure on their commercial free range units while at the same time allowing the small breeder and exhibitor a complete free hand.
It was after all the later who were suspected of spreading the disease some two years ago.
The press are also talking about 6000 geese dying of AIV in China. As the Chinese have never suggested this to be the case, it has to be a complete fairy story.
Because if this was the case then a high proportion of other waterfowl would have died as well, sharing the same marshes and lagoons.
Waterfowl do not succumb to AIV, they are only carriers and, a disease that killed so many wild geese would have to be something like ‘Goose Parvovirus‘.
Although some of the media both newspapers and TV have been informed of all these inaccuracies, they choose ignore the fact as it is not good for headlines and consequently sales.
If readers of this have any worries or further queries, contact me info at sprcentre dot co dot uk
