Avian (or bird) flu refers to a disease caused by avian influenza (flu) viruses that occur naturally among birds. Currently, scientists are concerned that an avian influenza virus (known as H5N1) that is sickening poultry and some wild birds in many parts of the world might become easily transmissible among people. Since it would be a new virus to people, no one would be immune, and a pandemic could occur. Human influenza pandemics have happened several times in the 20th century, including 1918, 1957, and 1968.
Campylobacteriosis is an infection of the intestines caused by bacteria called Campylobacter. The bacteria are commonly found in the feces of infected animals and in food products contaminated with the bacteria during processing or preparation. Raw or undercooked chicken is one of the most common sources of human infection.
Chicks and ducklings frequently harbor Salmonella bacteria in their droppings. The disease caused by Salmonella is called ‘salmonellosis’. In recent years, at least 5 human salmonellosis outbreaks have been associated with handling chicks or ducklings. One of the largest affected over 22 residents of Washington and Oregon, with half the patients younger than 13 years old. The disease is often much more serious in children, especially those under 5 years old.
