U.S. Citizen Services

Avian Flu Information

Update on Avian Flu in Germany
On February 28, 2006, German authorities announced the detection of the H5N1 avian influenza in a domestic cat, which was found dead on the island of Ruegen. Recently, additional cases of infected cats in Ruegen have been made public. Presently, there is no evidence that domestic cats play a role in the transmission cycle of H5N1 viruses. There are also no reported instances of either human cases linked to exposure to a diseased cat or transmission of the H5N1 in domestic cat populations. However, laboratory studies have demonstrated that the H5N1 virus can infect domestic cats, and that cats can transmit the virus to other cats when the cats are kept in close quarters. In these studies the cat was infected with the H5N1 virus and then kept in small cages with other cats. The healthy cats were able to acquire the infection after several days of close contact with the infected cats.

In the light of the current knowledge and disease situation, the European Union’s Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health issued the following recommendations for areas where H5N1 has been confirmed in wild birds:

• Sick or dead cats and dogs should not be touched and the veterinary authorities should be informed, so that post-mortem examination and further testing can be performed.
• Contacts between domestic pets, particularly cats, and wild birds should be prevented, i.e. cats should be kept indoors and dogs should be kept on a leash or otherwise restrained, and kept under control by the owner.

All pet owners are advised to stay alert to reports of H5N1 infections in either migratory waterfowl or domestic poultry in their local area and the possible need to quarantine dogs and cats accordingly. The consular web page will be updated to reflect new information on this matter as it becomes available.


Avian Flu Facts and the U.S. Government Response
The U.S. Government is concerned that the ongoing outbreaks of avian influenza in birds have the potential to turn into a human influenza pandemic that would have significant global health, economic, and social consequences. President Bush has requested $2.3 billion in the fiscal year starting October 1 (fiscal year 2007) for protecting against a potential influenza pandemic. The president's fiscal 2007 request for influenza preparedness programs administered by the departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture was released February 6 in the annual budget request to Congress. The request would build on the $3.8 billion for pandemic flu preparedness approved by Congress for spending in fiscal year 2006. More

Avian influenza has occasionally spread from bird to human, but is not easily spread from human to human. A specific vaccine for humans that is effective against avian influenza has not yet been approved. Based upon limited data, the Centers for Disease Control have suggested that the anti-viral medication Oseltamavir (brand name-Tamiflu) may be effective in preventing or treating avian influenza.

Please see the State Department's publication "Meeting the Challenge of Bird Flu" for more background on the U.S. commitment, the science and response to bird flu.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is offering a guidebook for families and households to plan for infectious disease. HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt released Pandemic Influenza Planning: A Guide for Individuals and Families January 6. "This new guide is important reading in every household,” Leavitt said. “It explains the challenges posed by a pandemic outbreak and identifies common-sense steps Americans should take in their homes now to prepare for a pandemic." More

The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs will keep international travelers up to date through their Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions.


Background Information and Updates on the Situation
In English:
• How to Prepare for a Possible Avian Influenza Pandemic (pdf) Information provided the by U.S. Mission to Germany
• PandemicFlu.gov The official U.S. government Web site for information on pandemic flu and avian influenza. All involved agencies throughout the U.S. Government are coordinating to maintain up to date U.S. information on pandemic flu and avian influenza here.
• U.S. Department of State
• National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Vaccine Program Office, Department of Health and Human Services
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Further USG Information

Information by the European Union:
• European Commission - Health and Consumer Protection - Avian Influenza (in English)
• European Center for Disease Prevention and Control

Information for Germany:
• Bird Flu Information by the German Ministry for Consumer Protection (in German)
• For Travellers
• Latest Update by the Berlin based Robert Koch Institut (in German)
• Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesinstitut für Tiergesundheit
• German Foreign Office (in German)