757 Laboratory Safety

Avian Flu

Wild birds, particularly waterfowl, are natural hosts of avian flu viruses and often show no symptoms; however, some of the viruses can cause high mortality in poultry, including the Asian highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus. Some strains of avian flu viruses carried by these wild birds can infect domestic fowl and, in turn, can infect humans, causing fever, cough, sore throat, eye infections and muscle pain.

Avian flu can also lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, and other severe and life-threatening complications. The most common route of transmission to humans is by contact with contaminated poultry.

Transmission to Humans

The most common route of transmission of these viruses to humans is exposure of the conjunctival membranes of the eyes and/or the oral or nasal mucosa to secretions (oral, nasal or fecal) from AI-infected birds. Therefore, employees should avoid direct contact with bird secretions and inhalation of dust contaminated with these secretions.

Basic Infection Control Measures for Laboratory Employees

Asian highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus is classified as a select agent and must be worked with under Biosafety Level (BSL) 3 with enhancements. These conditions include BSL 3 procedures, plus the following:

• controlled access, double-door entry with change room and shower;
• use of showers by personnel before exiting;
• decontamination of all wastes; and
• use of at least an N-95 respirator.

Personnel should not eat, drink, or smoke or use bathroom facilities while engaged in activities where contact with contaminated animals or surfaces are possible. PPE should be properly removed and discarded or disinfected. Hands should then be washed thoroughly before eating, drinking, smoking or bathroom use.

For more information, see OSHA Publication 3323-10N 2006, Protecting Employees from Avian Flu (Avian Influenza) Viruses.

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