Quote:
Originally Posted by 3blade
H5N1 has been a leading suspect for the next civilization ending pandemic, for a lot of years, because it has an extremely high mortality rate. It has not (yet) achieved consistent human to human transmission…most other flu viruses have, so it’s “when” not “if”
The current H5N1 subtype is problematic because it’s persistent. Other outbreaks have died off in a single season, this one is still going, that gives it more exposures to mammals and more chances to make the jump
For processing precautions, to be “safe” you would need a fit tested N95, gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection, and a solid understanding of donning/doffing procedures.
Don’t think you could “safely” handle birds in the field especially with a dog retrieving them.
At an absolute minimum, wear gloves, process your birds outside, use hand sanitizer and keep your hands off your face.
That being said…you pays your money and takes your chances. There’s always risk, everyone has to decide for themselves what they are willing to do.
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Quick fyi. Hand sanitizer is a "sanitizer" by name and definition only. Not a disinfectant or sterilization medium. It's a down the scale option if washing your hands properly in soap and water is not possible, but there's a reason that doctors "scrub" with soap and water prior to surgery.
Agree with everything you've said. They've been watching H5N1 for a long time and crossing their fingers, and those that think we'd be told everything by our forthright leaders should know better. Stopping birds from flying overhead is probably a tad more difficult than controlling airplanes.