Influenza (Flu) (U.S. National Park Service)

Influenza virus image

CDC

Animals: Influenza A viruses have been identified in many different domestic animal species, such as poultry, pigs (swine), horses, dogs, and cats. With respect to wildlife, avian influenza is most typically associated with wild birds; however, other wildlife species (e.g., marine mammals, foxes, bears, etc.) are also susceptible to infection. Occasionally, influenza viruses can be transmitted between animals (e.g., birds and pigs) and humans, and this is called zoonotic influenza. When a host is simultaneously infected with different flu viruses, the viruses can combine with each other to produce a new viral strain, which has the potential to cause greater disease severity or be more transmissible in both humans and animals. In birds, viruses are classified into two categories: low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses. These categories refer to the molecular characteristics of the virus and the viruss ability to cause disease and mortality in chickens, not to the severity of illness in humans. In poultry, some LPAI can evolve into HPAI. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with the virus, as it is shed in the saliva, nasal secretions, and feces of infected birds or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Wild birds may have additional routes of exposure, including contaminated water and eating infected waterfowl. Because avian migratory pathways around the world are connected, avian influenza can be introduced into new places. In the U.S., poultry are not vaccinated for Avian Influenza. Currently, AI vaccines to protect poultry are being explored and considered for future use. When domestic poultry are infected, the risk increases for humans that work with poultry. Human infections have occurred uncommonly and sporadically. The CDC reported the first case of human HPAI H5 bird flu in the U.S. in April 2022. The case occurred in a person who had direct exposure to poultry and was involved in the depopulating of poultry with presumptive H5N1 bird flu. There have also been four human infections with LPAI in the United States, resulting in mild-to-moderate illness.

Swine influenza, also caused by type A influenza viruses, do not usually cause infections in humans, but rare human infections have been reported. Flu viruses in pigs can be transmitted to people through droplets, but transmission from eating pork is not known to occur. Influenza vaccines for swine are available, although they are not 100% effective.

Equine influenza, which occurs in horses, can cause an antibody response in some people but has not been known to cause human illness.

Environment: Flu viruses can live in the environment for up to 48 hours. Flu viruses are killed by heat above 75 C and can be killed by common household products, including products containing chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soaps), iodine-based antiseptics, and alcohols. See Resource section below for resources on on specific disinfectants that will kill flu viruses.

PREVENTION

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Influenza (Flu) (U.S. National Park Service)

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