| | How long does the virus live in bird/animal feces?
Category: Avian Influenza
Answer:It depends on the amount of virus contained in the feces, the temperature, and moisture content. For example, the virus dies more quickly in higher temperatures and the drier the feces is.
It is good practice to avoid contact with fecal material from wild birds. Avian influenza viruses are spread through the feces of infected birds and through secretions from the nose, mouth, and eyes. Contact with infected fecal material is the most common bird-to-bird transmission.
Wild ducks often introduce low pathogenic avian influenza into domestic flocks raised on range or in open flight pens through fecal contamination. Low pathogenic avian influenza naturally occurs in wild birds and can spread to domestic birds. In most cases it causes no signs of infection or only minor sickness in birds. These strains of the virus pose little threat to human health.
You can protect your birds by keeping them away from wild birds and their droppings. If your birds come into contact with wild birds, be sure to watch for signs of avian influenza in them such as breathing problems, watery diarrhea, and swelling around the head, neck, and eyes. A loss of appetite might also occur in birds. If your birds are sick or dying, call the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Services office toll-free at 1-866-536-7593.
Pet bird owners should use good sanitary practices. Isolate new birds from your other birds for at least 30 days. Restrict access to your birds, especially from people who own birds. Clean cages, food, and water dishes on a daily basis.
Use good animal health practices with all pets. Pet birds, cats, rabbits, ferrets, rodents, and some primates are susceptible to the avian influenza virus although this is rare. Keep pets away from sick and dead birds and bird droppings. Do not feed your pets raw poultry, poultry products, or eggs. If your pet suddenly dies call your veterinarian.
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Last Updated: 03/21/2007
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