Avian Influenza ("Bird Flu")

A Message from the Commissioner of Health on Avian Influenza (“Bird Flu”)

Dear Albany County Resident:

Recently, there has been much attention focused upon Avian Influenza (“Bird Flu”). This virus has caused illness to poultry in Asia and in parts of Europe. Some people living in Asia who have directly been exposed to infected poultry have become ill. Fortunately, sustained person-to-person spread of the disease has not been documented and the risk to the community at this time is considered to be very small.

There is no evidence that the Bird Flu currently found in Asia and Europe exists in birds or humans in the United States at this time. However, if the Bird Flu virus should undergo a change in its structure, which flu viruses have a tendency to do, it could become a greater public health threat. 

If the virus changes and can be spread from person-to person, it is possible that large numbers of people could become ill, the disease could rapidly spread from Asia to neighboring areas, and could eventually spread worldwide (called a pandemic). Public health officials throughout the world are carefully watching this and planning for ways to promptly address a global pandemic. 

Albany County residents can be assured that many community health leaders have been planning on a regular basis to respond to a large disease outbreak in the best manner possible. These partners include:

• state and local health departments;
• New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets;
• hospitals and health care providers;
• emergency management officials;
• police, fire and emergency medical personnel;
• nursing homes and home care agencies;
• veterinarians;
• elected officials.

We are most fortunate in Albany County to have such a large group of dedicated individuals who have willingly committed to developing response plans and preparedness activities for our community. While Bird Flu has been the subject of much discussion, there is no need for alarm. We will continue to earnestly plan for outbreak of any disease in our community and take appropriate action to protect the public’s health.

For more information about the county's response to outbreaks like Bird Flu, please see our Response to Outbreak Fact Sheet [PDF*]. Additional information about Bird Flu is also available from the Centers for Disease Control and at PandemicFlu.gov.

Sincerely,

James B. Crucetti, MD, MPH
Commissioner of Health