No evidence of transmission of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza to humans after unprotected contact with infected wild swans

Epidemiol Infect. 2010 Feb;138(2):210-3. doi: 10.1017/S0950268809990811. Epub 2009 Sep 18.

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N1 remains a public health threat as long as it circulates in wild and domestic birds. Information on the transmissibility of H5N1 HPAI from wild birds is needed for evidence-based public health advice. We investigated if transmission of H5N1 HPAI had taken place in people that had unprotected contact with infected wild mute swans during an incident at the Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset, England. Thirteen people who had been exposed to infected swans were contacted and actively followed up for symptoms. Serology was taken after 30 days. We did not find evidence of transmission of H5N1 HPAI to humans during the incident. The incident provided a rare opportunity to study the transmissibility of the virus from wild birds to humans.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild
  • Anseriformes*
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • England / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype*
  • Influenza in Birds / epidemiology
  • Influenza in Birds / transmission*
  • Influenza in Birds / virology
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Influenza, Human / transmission*
  • Oseltamivir / administration & dosage
  • Oseltamivir / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Oseltamivir