In today's issue
Wanted: More information
What people say about the potential pandemic threatening the world.
- By Mohammad Shamseddine, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 February 17, 2006
- It is a contagious disease caused by viruses that commonly infect birds.
- The disease has two forms, a mild one without any clear symptoms, just ruffled feathers, reduced egg production - the second form is severe and can spread causing death among birds.
- Most bird species are vulnerable, but current bird flu, which is severe, largely affects poultry.
- Make sure children do not play around or near chicken or bird droppings and secretions.
- Make sure your children wash and disinfect their hands after touching birds and birdcages.
- In case your child suffers from asthma or diabetes, take extra precautions.
- Always keep your bird cages clear of faeces and clean them with soapy water and safe detergents.
- Do not forget to wash your hands after you clean the bird cage.
- Do not attempt to buy any illegal birds - only buy the healthiest birds from licensed pet shops.
- If you have many birds and only one shows any of the symptoms, do not release all the other birds, but get them tested on a regular basis
- Keep your birds far away from wild birds or poultry.
- Sudden death without a reason
- Loss of appetite
- Shows breathing disorders
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing or sneezing
- Swelling and purple colouration on the head and eyelids
- Swelling and bleeding from the skin of the legs
- Lack of energy and appetite
- Shows nervous disorders
- Has decreased egg production
What people say about the potential pandemic threatening the world
What is Bird Flu?
Protect your children
Children have low immunity and are therefore more susceptible to bird flu
Bird owners and buyers
Watch Out for these Symptoms in Birds
Source: National Committee for Emergency Response to Bird Flu
Salima Al Taleei, 25, a jockey from Oman, said people should not be too concerned. "I am not afraid now, I don't think we should even think about it until, God forbid, it happens," she said.
"I believe though we must know more about it. Personally I don't know enough," she added. "I eat chicken every week, and I have no intention of eating less."
Deborah Nielsen, a movie producer from Canada, said she was not afraid of the disease coming to the UAE. "I know the UAE is a very clean country and I think it will be very careful in dealing with the issue."
She does not have enough information about the flu. "In North America, the issue is portrayed as a crisis so that people tuned it up. It's been overexposed, but not in the right way. I eat the same amount of chicken now as I used to. I don't think I'll stop."
Razwan Dumitro, a manager form Romania, said he was not afraid of bird flu. "Actually, I'm not scared because I don't have enough information about the disease. The last I heard, it had spread to Turkey," he said.
"Nevertheless, I am trying to go easy on chicken and am thinking of stopping eating it. You should always be cautious."
Fadl Halim, a manager form Pakistan, said he was afraid the whole world may not be prepared to face the flu. "I read in the papers that the UAE has only got 300,000 vaccinations to fight the flu, I think it's not enough, but I'm not afraid of it coming here," he said.
"With the quality control that exists here, I don't think we should be scared, but I hope the issue is highlighted more because people need to know more."
Gabriela Apetri, from Romania, said if authorities controlled the disease there was no need to be afraid.
"I'm not that scared, but I think more precautions should be taken. I think I know enough about it since it is life-threatening. Everyone should be prepared and more information is needed," she said.
Nasser Hassan, a 26-year-old UAE national, said he was afraid the disease would reach the UAE. "All diseases should be feared, and since bird flu has reached Iraq, we should all be careful," he said.
"I only have general information about the flu. We must learn more about it and how to deal with it. As long as chicken is clean and supervised, I don't see any need to stop eating it."
Covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle
