Re: AsianAvian Birdflu

[Tim Gwinn <***>]

JohnM,

To add to Judith's comments, the WHO states that bird-to-bird transmission
occurs due to both oral and fecal exuding of the virus:
"Of the 15 avian influenza virus subtypes, H5N1 is of particular concern for
several reasons. H5N1 mutates rapidly and has a documented propensity to
acquire genes from viruses infecting other animal species. Its ability to
cause severe disease in humans has now been documented on two occasions. In
addition, laboratory studies have demonstrated that isolates from this virus
have a high pathogenicity and can cause severe disease in humans. Birds that
survive infection excrete virus for at least 10 days, orally and in faeces,
thus facilitating further spread at live poultry markets and by migratory
birds."
See:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/avian_influenza/en/

Regards,
Tim

> -----Original Message-----
> From: ROSEN Forum [mailto:*** On Behalf Of John M
> Sent: Saturday, October 29, 2005 4:52 PM
> To: ***
> Subject: AsianAvian Birdflu
> 
> To all listers experted in envirobiology,
> zoocomplexity and other relational mental brilliance,
> 
> here is a question:
> We all can't wait until the avian flu decimates us.
> OK, we eat infected chikens and thus ingest the virus.
> So WE beciome sick. We then sneez, kiss and caugh on
> each other to spread the deadly virus. But:
> How do birds become sick?
> They don't sneez, don't caught, don't kiss and don't
> eat each other. Cows got the madness by grassing on
> infected pastures on what mad cows devoured before
> leaving their saliva on the remnant blades of grass.
> Birds don't graze. Birds eat in their privacy: find a
> grain and eat it. They don't bother about the
> excrement of other birds either. And feather is a good
> protector.
> 
> Insects, Maybe? but in that case insecticides could
> save the world? A flee-safe henhouse? Any ideas?
> This may be a life-complexity question.
> 
> John Mikes