Scary Stuff

[kimsbirds]

http://news.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=2149542005

[Janie]

Kim, very scary stuff!!!! I read that on my wild bird forum.

Let me ask a question. Since all three of my birds are inside, is there any way they could contact this virus? Assuming that is could spread to our outside wild songbirds.....could it be passed to my lovies? My bird room (former back screened in porch) is now enclosed but with four large windows that have screens and I'd planned to have those windows open during warm weather. My back yard is loaded with birds and that is why I'm wondering if that would be a danger to my lovies IF this virus spreads to our wild birds. Anybody know?

[shylevon]

Don't be fooled by a virus because it is named after birds.

This virus is terribly frightening because it is the only influenza virus yet to hit the planet that can affect mammals of an extremely wide range. Wild cats don't get the flu, but this virus has killed several tigers and even lions in Asia and Africa. If you have any type of animal that goes outside, like a dog or cat, all inhabitants of your home human or pet, are at risk if this virus is contracted by any one of them. So... the answer is yes, and the risk is not only from wild birds.

[Janie]

Shy, that is so depressing! I do have a dog that does go outside. Dog doors to the back fenced in yard. She's older now and doesn't go out a lot but still........

[Angelwing]

This is very scary. Here's a little more information - http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/facts.htm. Also look at the right sidebar for a few more informative pages. The most amazing, yet scariest aspect of the virus is 'antigenic shift', which is when two different strains of influenza virus merge to create a mutation. This doesn't happen over a long period of time, but rather a lot more quickly. But if it does happen, people/animals/etc. haven't been exposed to this exact virus before, obviously, therefore our antibodies won't be able to cope as well with the new virus. There are a few theories on how this happens. Anyways, I find this type of thing very interesting. Let's just hope the virus doesn't change more drastically.

[shylevon]

That is how most viruses mutate, and that is why so many deadly viruses come from Asia. The population there is so dense. One person gets one type of virus and they pass another person who has another closely related virus and they contract that. Then the virus has the opportunity to mutate to something new, usually stronger and more resistant.

If you include SARS, all four of the latest deadly respiratory illnesses have originated in Asia. The dense population and hot, humid weather is the ideal breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and mutations. Add in low income, bad hygiene, and poor health, and these viruses can really get away from you.