Can swine flu be transmitted through chicken?

Answer 1

Currently (5/9/09) neither the CDC nor the WHO list mosquitoes as a method of transmission of H1N1 (Swine Flu). There is no conclusive field or statistical information to prove this yet, but it is not likely. Usually mosquitoes do not carry the influenza viruses.

They do carry some other viruses such as West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis, but so far most people asked do not believe the Swine Flu will be spread by mosquitoes. But, the two viruses mentioned above that are carried by them are deadly and caution should always be taken when mosquitoes are present.

To protect yourself and family from disease carrying mosquitoes, wear long sleeves when out at night and dusk and dawn. Use DEET repellent. Wear light colored clothing since they are attracted to dark colors, and keep standing water, in which they lay eggs, emptied. Attract Hummingbirds (they eat thousands in one day), bats (equally as good in hunting them),frogs, lizards, toads, and dragonflies to your yard and garden. Purple Martin birds also are good for mosquito control but they require more maintenance and very tall and specifically built houses to attract them.

Answer 2

Not likely. This information is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Influenza viruses infect the human upper respiratory tract. There has never been a documented case of influenza virus infection associated with water exposure. Recreational water that has been treated at CDC recommended disinfectant levels does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of the H1N1 influenza virus to chlorine and other disinfectants used in Swimming Pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational venues. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels recommended by CDC (1-3 parts per million [ppm or mg/L] for pools and 2-5 ppm for spas) are adequate to disinfect avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as novel H1N1 virus would also be similarly disinfected by chlorine.

See web site links below in the related links section.

Answer 3

Advances in the area of molecular Biology are coming faster all the time. Therefore, finding out whether the swine flu vector is being used and for what, as well as whether it is only in the research stages or is in use in technology, may depend on when and who you ask.

Research indicates that an H1N1/09 (pandemic swine flu) vector is being studied to determine its potential for use in the creation of new flu vaccines more quickly in times of pandemics which are caused by new influenza viruses, like occurred in 2009. Using the vector instead of growing the virus in eggs would allow much quicker development of new vaccines and would not be dependent on the viruses' ability to grow in eggs. So, based on that, it does seem like swine flu does have a vector. Please see the related links below for more information. The link below with information that is specifically about a swine flu vector is titled: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases @ NIH.gov: New Vaccine Technologies. The other links are to sites with more general information about viral vectors.

Answer 4

Chickens and other birds and fowl can be infected by H1N1/09 influenza viruses, and if touched directly, they can pass the virus on to other animals and humans. Workers on chicken farms are taught precautions to avoid being contaminated.

However, once cleaned and plucked for eating, there would be no more risk than handling other types of raw meat. Therefore, precautions of proper handling of any raw meats must be followed.

Once the chicken is cooked properly for eating, you will not get the virus by eating the chicken. Flu viruses are killed at normal cooking temperatures.