Avian Influenza (AKA: Bird Flu)

With the growing public interest in the Avian Influenza, more commonly known as the Bird Flu, The Town of Parker has provided this web page and additional links to inform citizens about the Avian Influenza and precautions that can be taken in the event of a Pandemic Influenza.

The eventual arrival of infected birds in the United States does not signal the start of the disease in humans. At present, H5N1 avian influenza remains largely a disease of birds.

The virus does not easily cross from birds to infect humans. The spread of avian influenza viruses from one ill person to another is extremely rare, and unlike most strains of human influenza, transmission has not been observed to continue beyond one person.

However, since these new virus strains do not commonly infect humans, there is little or no immune protection against them in the human population. Therefore, if this particular H5N1 strain of avian influenza were to mutate and be able to spread easily from person to person, an epidemic or a pandemic (worldwide outbreak of disease) could happen. Click here for more information on pandemic planning.

A human pandemic outbreak would be very serious, so there is an effort to promote global preparedness. That is why health departments and news media around the world are closely monitoring the situation.

Fortunately, this issue gives agencies an opportunity to better prepare for a pandemic and revise their emergency preparedness and communication plans. The Town of Parker urges you to educate yourself about the Avian Influenza and the precautions you can take to protect yourself and your family.

Click here to read some frequently asked questions about bird flu.

The Town of Parker Police Department can provide a bird flu presentation to groups of 20 or more beginning in mid-July. To schedule a presentation, please email us or call 303.841.9800.