Test Your Knowledge

Efforts to prevent the occurrence and spread of bird flu are ongoing on a global scale. Examples of actions being taken include:

• Culling. Flocks of domesticated birds infected with the virus are destroyed to prevent the spread of disease to other birds and people. Farms where the virus is found may also be placed under quarantine.
  
  
• Surveillance. The World Health Organization and national health agencies (e.g., the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]) collect information on suspected and confirmed cases of bird flu. They also sponsor educational campaigns and animal vaccination programs for poultry farms and markets.
  
  
• Import bans. Many nations aim to prevent the spread of bird flu by prohibiting the importation of birds and bird eggs from nations where the disease has occurred.

In addition to the global efforts, individuals can also act to prevent the occurrence of bird flu. These include proper sanitation (e.g., hand washing, cleaning possibly contaminated surfaces, access to clean water) and thoroughly cooking poultry products (e.g., meat, eggs) to kill the virus.

Travelers who are planning to visit areas where bird flu occurs may take additional action to reduce the risk of infection. Immunization with an influenza vaccine may be recommended. The effectiveness of prophylactic vaccines is not clear, but if administered within 48 hours of symptoms occurring, the extent and severity of the illness may be reduced. Recommendations for travelers include:

• Get a flu shot before travel
  
  
• Avoid domesticated birds on farms and in open air markets
  
  
• Wash hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizers or soap and water
  
  
• Do not consume raw eggs or poultry meat