Avian Influenza
AVIAN INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE ALERT
Avian influenza (bird flu) could potentially be a threat to the health and safety of Australian workers.
The policies and procedures that have been produced by other government departments including Health and Ageing, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Animal Health Australia and Comcare are being examined by ASCC.
The Office of the ASCC will continue to monitor the status of a bird flu threat and the occupational health and safety implications for workers.
Background
Bird flu is a viral infection that can infect a wide of range of bird species.
Subtypes of the virus can vary in severity, however most strains are classified as low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that in recent years a highly pathogenic avian virus (H5NI) has infected humans after contact with infected birds. The current outbreak of (H5NI) began in Hong Kong, December 2003.
A concern is that certain strains of the bird flu virus may have the potential to develop into a pandemic strain of influenza.
The more H5NI spreads the more chance it has to mutate into a human influenza virus. Infections in other species such as tigers, cats and pigs have occurred, however
WHO reports that to date there is no present evidence to suggest the effective human-to-human spread of H5NI. However, if the virus were to mutate to a form which could more easily spread to humans, the risk of a human pandemic
Potential Risk to Human Health
The Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) is closely monitoring the risk of H5NI infection in humans and considers it to be currently low.
DoHA’s website has an indicator which shows the level of a pandemic threat. There is an increasing risk scale from 0 to 6 for both Australia and the rest of the world. At 19 February 2007, the current levels indicated were:
- 0 for Australia - which means that no new influenza virus subtypes have been detected in humans. An influenza virus subtype that has caused human infection or disease is not present in animals in Australia.
- 3 for the rest of the world – which means human infection(s) with a new subtype overseas, but no human to human spread, or at most rare instances of spread to a close contact.
Workplace Impact of a Bird Flu Pandemic
In the event of bird flu pandemic significant disruptions to the community and workplace will be more likely.
Comcare have compiled a paper: OHS preparedness for an Influenza Pandemic: A guide for employers 2006, to provide basic information to assist employers in fulfilling their duties under the OHS (CE) Act.
This paper anticipates that in the event of a pandemic some 40% - 50% of the workplace will be absent for the following reasons.
- Very high absenteeism due to illness, caring for the family;
- Absence based on fear and anxiety;
- Strict infection control measures in both the community and the workplace;
- Restricted transport; and
- The impact of serious illness and possible death among families, friends and work colleagues.
- Interrupted supply of goods and services
As the onset of bird flu is difficult to predict, Comcare recommend that employers update their business continuity plan (BCP) and associated OHS plans.
In the event of a pandemic, the Commonwealth government will maintain BCPs within their sectors and work with key businesses to enable an effective economic recovery.
Key sources of information from the Australian Government
The Department of Health and Ageing has information on bird flu, the risk scale and have an Australian Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza.
www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/health-avian_influenza-index.htm
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry websites includes animal import risk analysis for chicken meat and edible eggs and egg products.
www.daff.gov.au/birdflu
This website offers an avian influenza fact sheet. It also provides access to the Avian Influenza Paper from the Office of Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer.
www.outbreak.gov.au/response/AI/birdflusheet.htm#keyfacts
Australia’s veterinary emergency plans (AUSVETPLAN) may be accessed at:
www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/fms/Animal%20Australia/AUSVETPLAN/sunfinal.pdf
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s National Action Plan for Human Influenza Pandemic: July 2006
www.pmc.gov.au/publications/pandemic/index.htm
Comcare Sept 2006 OHS preparedness for an Influenza Pandemic: A guide for employers
www.comcare.gov.au/_data/assets/pdf_file/20315/OHS66_Pandemic_guidence.pdf
Current safety advice for Australians travelling overseas is available from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs at this website.
www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Health_:_Avian_Influenza
Further sources of information
The World Health Organization (WHO) has the latest news on avian influenza:
www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/avian_faqs/en/print.html
Information on Global Early Warning and Response System for Major Animal Diseases, including Zoonoses (GLEWS) can be found at:
www.who.int/zoonoses/outbreaks/en
World Organization for Animal Health has a current Outbreak Map on Influenza in Animals (Type H5)
www.oie.int/eng/en_index.htm
Page last updated: 17/07/2008