Highlights
– Large clusters of dead crows in New York alarm health officials of reovirus return
– Potential avian influenza epidemic could threaten poultry farmers’ flocks, profits
– Vaccine efforts significant in 2007, companies continue development
Shortly after Christmas, New York health officials received reports that hundreds of crows were mysteriously turning up dead throughout the state. The crows were discovered often in large clusters and have been reported in Albany, Dutchess, Jefferson, Montgomery, Orange and Steuben counties. While New York State Health Department officials have begun testing the specimens, scientists suspect an avian reovirus that attacks the bird intestinal system as the likely cause.
Various reovirus strains have been discovered in the United States and Canada in recent years. While the strains are not harmful to humans, they can potentially wipe out poultry farm flocks. As scientists work to pinpoint the viral typing, poultry farmers will likely tighten biosecurity and vaccine procedures in the event the virus causes a nationwide epidemic.
Reovirus Outbreak, Sparks Bird Flu Concerns
The sudden discovery of hundreds of fallen birds in New York is a reminder of the potential threat from a sudden avian influenza pandemic. As such, a highly pathogenic version of the avian influenza, sub strain H5N1, represents a growing danger to global health. Although no person in the United States has ever contracted the H5N1 virus, and although the H5N1 virus has not fully acquired the ability to spread person-to-person transmission, the strain’s severe capabilities are concerning.
More Dead Birds Likely to be Found as Warmer Weather Nears
In the coming weeks, a warm weather forecast will likely lead to the discovery of more clusters of crows as the snow and ice melt. Scientists claim that it will not be long before new flocks of wild birds are discovered dead in Queens, Manhattan and on Long Island.
The largest cluster of dead crows, roughly 100, was uncovered in Poughkeepsie, located on the Hudson River. New York state biologists will also be closely monitoring other types of birds with similar nesting habits including ravens, magpies and blue jays.
Reovirus Scare Reinforces Need for Avian Flu Vaccine Efforts
The avian reovirus is not currently seen as a danger to humans. However, more than 330 humans have contracted the highly pathogenic avian influenza sub strain, H5N1, since 2003 in 14 countries, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Source). While the death toll numbers remain low worldwide, the numbers will not likely subside in the near-term.
In most cases, people who have contracted the H5N1 virus in European or Asian countries, have done so through direct contact with infected poultry. While the virus has not acquired the ability to spread from human to human, its overall 60 percent mortality rate has caused scientists and researchers to work towards developing a vaccine.
At the University of Rochester Medical Center, doctors and scientists made key strides in 2007 studying and testing a vaccine to prevent bird flu in humans. More than 750 people participated in a study and results showed that large doses of the vaccine were safe and effective. The US Food and Drug Administration issued approval for the vaccine, which is produced by the company Sanofi Pasteur Inc., in April 2007. The federal government began to stockpile the vaccine for distribution by public health officials if necessary.
Another biopharmaceutical company, Novavax Inc., announced in December 2007 that its pandemic flu vaccine generated promising immune responses in a recent study. Among the patients who were given 45-microgram doses, more than 80 percent of the patients developed a neutralizing antibody to a type of H5N1 avian influenza (Source). The company will now move the vaccine into a second stage of clinical trials using larger doses.
