Avian Flu
Avian flu or “bird flu” is also caused by influenza viruses and occurs naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 strain currently circulating has caused significant illness and death among wild birds and domestic poultry. This strain of “bird flu” is not easily passed to humans. But, some people have become sick after extensive direct contact with domestic poultry.
- Frequently Asked Questions about Avian Flu
- Guidance for Clinicians and Laboratorians Regarding Avian Influenza A (H5N1) (PDF) | RTF
- Executive Office of Health and Human Services Continuity of Operations (COOP)
- Massachusetts Department of Agriculture (MDA) Avian Influenza
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
- Avian Influenza: Resources for Health Professionals
- Recommendations for travelers
- News and Highlights
- Testing Page - Laboratory Diagnostics
Information from the World Health Organization (WHO)
Information from US Agencies
- US Department of Health and Human Services
- US Department of the Interior Avian Influenza Page
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Avian Influenza
- National Wildlife Health Center
Testing Methods
- CDC - Interim Guidance for Laboratory Testing of Persons with Suspected Infection with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus in the United States
- Specimen Submission Form (PDF) | RTFCDC - Testing Page - Laboratory Diagnostics
- Respiratory Virus Specimen Collection Instructions (PDF) | RTF
Influenza-seasonal or novel, Swine, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus, RSV (SI-VI-1-09) - Division 6.2 Infectious Substance Shipping Guide: Classification, Packing, Marking and Labeling (Word)
- Label for Respiratory Viral Kits/ Flu Kits (PDF) | RTF
Reporting Influenza in Massachusetts
For more information about influenza visit, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ or http://www.mass.gov/dph or call the Massachusetts Immunization Program at 617-983-6800 or 888-658-2850.
This information is provided by Communicable Disease Control within the Department of Public Health.