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Officials in Chile reported an outbreak of H1N1 (formerly Swine) Flu in turkeys on August 20, 2009. This is the first known case of H1N1 flu in a species besides humans and pigs. It is believed that, as with swine, the turkeys were infected by a human source.
"This represents no risk for the public as the virus was most likely transmitted from a human to birds," said Chilean Health Ministry official Carlos Pavletic. The government and bird producers also said repeatedly on Friday that local turkey meat was safe for consumption. Read full article
The confirmation of H1N1 in turkeys raises two concerns: 1) other poultry and birds may be at risk for this disease and 2) this virus could combine with the H5N1 (Avian) Flu virus.
The World Health Organization declared the H1N1 flu a global pandemic in June. The "good news" is that while the current H1N1 flu virus is very contagious, it isn't any more deadly than the "regular" flu. Good personal hygiene (washing hands) and sanitation practices are helpful for staying healthy and keeping this virus at bay.
The "bad news" is that this virus can change, reinvent itself. This process is called recombination, and it is a shuffle of genetic components that happens with this virus when an individual has more than one virus at the same time. The current version of this virus is a mixture of human, pig and bird influenza viruses. The fear is that the H1N1 virus may recombine with the avian H5N1 virus, an influenza virus of birds. The H5N1 virus more lethal, but not as contagious to humans.
It is important to note that the H5N1 (avian flu) virus has not been found in Chile at this date. Health officials around the world are monitoring this pandemic flu situation closely for any new species infections or viral recombinations. This is not to be confused (although it is confusing) with the H3N8 dog flu, first discovered in 2004.
Related news Stories:
- October 20, 2009 update: H1N1 News - Ferret Tests Positive in Oregon
- Chile confirms swine flu in turkeys
Sydney Morning Herald - Turkeys in Chile Found to Have Swine Flu
The Washington Post - Chile says swine flu in turkeys not a threat
Reuters - Super flu fear as swine strain moves to birds
Sydney Morning Herald
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Photo: Close-up of Turkey / Getty Images
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