Public health response to animal outbreaks of avian influenza in united states

摘要

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) is a zoonotic disease currently causing widespread disease among wild birds and domestic poultry. Since 2003, HPAI H5N1 has been isolated from domestic and wild birds more than 50 countries, and ithas been estimated that more than 200 million birds have been culled in efforts to control the spread of infection. Although HPAI H5N1 can also infect fe-lids, dogs, and swine, it does not appear to be readily transmitted to humans from birds or to be readily transmitted from human-to-human. As of November 13, 2006, 258 confirmed cases of H5N1 in humans and 153 deaths have been reported. Most cases of human infections are thought to have resulted from direct contact with infected poultry or avian influenza virus-contaminated surfaces. However, influenza A viruses have the potential to undergo genetic mutation or re-assortment. Continuing HPAI H5N1 evolution in multiple host species could transform HPAI H5N1 to a virus capable of causing a human pandemic.