China bird flu H7N9 has arrived in Beijing

Chinese New Year Festival favors the spread of H7N9 infections

01/27/2014

In China, currently threatens a further spread of bird flu (H7N9), so the warning of „Food and Agriculture Organization“ (FAO) of the United Nations (UN). In any case, human infections with the H7N9 virus are on the rise in China. In addition, as the Chinese New Year celebrates, the spread could accelerate significantly as millions of people and poultry are currently moving across the country, the FAO said. Neighboring countries were therefore called upon to be more vigilant.

Since the end of December is „the number of human infections with H7N9 in east and southeast China“ The FAO reports that it has increased significantly, citing the information provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, this increase is not a cause for alarm, as influenza viruses traditionally show increased activity during the winter months. With the New Year celebration, however, the spread of H7N9 viruses can increase significantly, the FAO fears. The infections would most likely be triggered by close contact with infected live poultry. Accordingly, a significantly increased risk of infection prevails on bird markets. But there is also an increased risk of infection with the domestic slaughtering of birds, which is quite common in China to this day.

So far, H7N9 infections only in China
So far, the WHO and the FAO assume that a human-to-human transmission of H7N9 viruses is not possible. However, there is still the danger that the virus will adapt accordingly and also an interpersonal transfer will be possible. However, the genetic analyzes of the WHO and the FAO reference centers have shown that the virus has not changed significantly since its formation last year. So far, the spread of the pathogen seems to be limited to China. There are no proven H7N9 infections in humans or animals in other countries, according to the FAO statement. However, China's neighbors should be particularly vigilant about avian flu viruses at the moment, warned the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

Recommended protective measures against bird flu
FAO chief veterinarian Juan Lubroth said the Chinese authorities have implemented a number of important measures to reduce the risk of H7N9 virus exposure. These include, according to Lubroth „temporary closures of bird markets, regular market day lulls, improved market hygiene, ongoing surveillance of poultry and live birds in the market environment and control of movements of poultry.“ But despite the security measures, the Chinese New Year festival threatens to increase the spread of the pathogens. It is also critical here that the viruses circulate in the poultry flocks without causing any visible clinical symptoms. This way people can become infected without the danger being recognizable. Here the FAO recommends various protective measures to both producers and consumers in order to avoid infection. Thus, according to the FAO, the living area of ​​the people should be strictly separated from the common areas of the birds. Also, regular hand washing is advised, not only following the handling of the poultry, but also before and after the preparation of food.

The risk of increased spread remains
Good hygiene practices in the processing and preparation of poultry meat are, according to FAO, an obligation anyway. In addition, should „only well-cooked meat products (food 70 degrees Celsius or more in all parts)“ be consumed. The consumption of raw meat and raw blood should urgently be avoided. Sick or dead animals should be reported to the local veterinarian or the authorities. If symptoms such as fever or cough appear after contact with breeding birds, wild birds or other animals, a doctor should be consulted immediately, FAO continues. Because „the risk to humans remains, especially in the coming months and especially during the Chinese New Year holidays“, emphasized Juan Lubroth. (Fp)