The session has just started. Please feel free to join us with your questions.
After the session has ended, you can view the whole dialogue by clicking Recent Sessions, or later on Archive.
For feedback and suggestions, please e-mail us at EngLivedialogue@islamonline.net.
Yours,
IslamOnline Live Dialogue Editing Desk
Name
Ferial
-
Profession
Question
I've heard that some cases of bird flu have caused two deaths in Egypt, is that true?
Answer
We are not aware of any human deaths in the area, but I would not be surprised if this has happened as Governments may be awaiting confirmation.
There are also news of a man affected in Kuwait who is a worker at a bird market.
Name
Farhat
-
Profession
Question
I think we have been talking a lot on avian flu per se, while the idea is that we are having more and more animal to human transmitted disease.
What is the cause of this?
Answer
There are numerous diseases from animals transmitted to humans. These are called zoonosis.
Numerous disease are transmitted through bites e.g. Rabies (dogs, foxes etc), air borne eg. Chlamydiophiliosis (parrots). Avian flu, for instance has been transmitted in South East Asia probably as an air borne pathogens that have been in close contact with infected individuals.
Name
Lionel
-
Profession
Question
There was a news story a few days ago from reuters saying that a vietnamese study shows the virus mutating, is this correct?
Answer
Yes, this may be true, although it has not been officially confirmed. If this has happened and they prove to be correct, it could result in a catastrophic pandemic.
Name
K
- Canada
Profession
Student
Question
Hello. What precautionaries would you recommend in light of protecting my Family and myself from, what would seem (and God knows best), an unlikely outbreak of Avian flu in Canada? Thanks.
Answer
I do not think there is a reason to panic. It is advisable not to visit farms, bird markets or wildlife refuges popular with migratory birds.
Canada has extensive wetlands which are popular with migratory birds. However, these are mainly from the South of the USA and South America where avain flu has not been reported. As previouly said, I do not think there is a reason to panic. Visitors from Central and South Asia are always a potential treat. I am not sure what the agencies in Canada are doing to monitor this issue.
Name
Kate
-
Profession
Question
Is there anything in our behaviour which increases the possibility of animal to human transmission? If there is what is the solution?
I understand the IUCN has done some unique work on this perspective.
Answer
The IUCN published recently a paper on this. We are living closer to wildlife refuges than ever before and were are very fond of pets. These have all contributed to the increment of zoonosis reported around the world. In the developing world many people live in close association with farm animals.
SARS for instance has been a real issue in Asia due to trapping (illigally most of the time) of wildlife that is then sold in markets.
Pathogens are more resistant to disinfectants and therapeutic drugs so they become resistant. Viruses and other pathogeons have mutated and new strains tend to appear every year.
In the Middle East, for instance, we get birds through imports and migration from Africa, Asia and Europe. Different parasites, bacteria and viruses are brought every year and enormous changes have occurred.
Name
Karim
-
Profession
Question
Does the IUCN disagree to the massive bird culling that has happened? And if so, what were the alternatives since this has proven to be useful in preventing the spread of the virus?
Answer
I do not think IUCN has opposed to any measure taken so far. The culling of poultry and other avian species within an outbreak area is necessary to control the disease. This is part of the contingency plan that is standard in the veterinary control of infectious diseases.
Name
Mamd
-
Profession
Question
Can you please tell us what the virus does to the body which makes it fatal?
Answer
If the question is related to humans, I am not qualifed to answer, but I will try. The virus produces a severe infection similar to the common flu, but with more severe signs. The infection tends to shut down the systems as part of the generalised infection.
In birds, the H5N1 strain produces severe damage to endothelial cells producing severe haemmorrhages and death.
Name
Tom
-
Profession
Question
Does the idea of more open borders increase the possibility of stranger and stranger diseases spreading?
Answer
Yes indeed! This has been an issue in the European Union and other areas of the world. Open borders could result in the spread of diseases that were once contained by a political barriers. This is inevitable, I think, but as long as goverments are aware and work together to monitor disease, the spread of diseases could be minimised.
Name
Nado
-
Profession
Question
What is the latest on the vaccine for the avian flu?
I would like to know how we can protect both birds and humans.
We are looking forward to a vaccine, will this happen soon?
Answer
Companies are working around the clock to come up with a human vaccine. There is a vaccine for birds currently in use in many areas. China, for instance is spending billions of dollars since they are going to vaccinate farms all over the country. The vaccine is commercially available BUT IS NOT FOR H5N1 STRAIN.
Name
Omar
-
Profession
Question
Could you tell us how people can protect themselves in Hajj? It is coming up and it usually is very crowded and it is easy to catch things from people. What can we do to protect ourselves if we are going to hajj?
Answer
Wear a face mask similar to those used by surgeons or nurses in operating theatres.
Use the mask all the time.
By the way, concerning food, prepared chicken, if cooked properly does not represent any risk.
Name
Pilgrim
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
How Muslims who are going to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj protect themselves against avian flu?
Answer
Please look at the previous question, that should answer your question hopefully.
Name
tim
-
Profession
Question
How can we protect poultry and animals from this disease?
Answer
The European Union, for instance is recommending to keep poultry indoors and to avoid all contact with wild birds.
Direct or indirect contact with migratory birds should be avoided. Do not buy any live bird from bird markets. Avoid going to farms or wildlife refuges.
Name
lily
-
Profession
Question
Has the threat of SARS been solved? Or what is being done about it?
Answer
SARS is still a potential threat to human health. I think the governments in the region learned a very important lesson and some measures were taken...but will they stand?
Note, SARS is a disease affecting the respiratory system, but is not related to avian flu.
