Many on the Acadia campus may not realize what the avian flu is, but for some of our international students it is a common concern at home.
The avian influenza is a virus, commonly called ‘bird flu’, that is a worldwide threat that attacks the poultry industry. The H5N1 strain of influenza ‘A’ is deadly to chickens but is capable of transferring to humans. Human cases of the avian flu have proven deadly.
As of February 21st, the World Health Organization reports a total of 231 deaths out of the 365 human cases worldwide since the appearance of the virus in 1997. The serious nature of the virus is evident by the growing number of deaths and cases; of the 16 cases reported in 2008, 14 deaths have occurred.
These numbers are minimal compared to the over 240 million chickens culled as a result of the avian flu.
To date the virus has not reached North America, despite high prevalence of the virus in Asia, and growing presence in Africa and Europe. This does not mean there are no local implications on the Acadia campus to the worldwide proliferation of the virus.
As China contributes eighteen human deaths to the worldwide totals as a result of 28 cases of avian flu, several international students recount their experiences and understandings of the avian flu.
ShanXi is an area of China that has seen the ramifications of the virus. One Acadia Nutrition student from this region notes a personal experience with the avian flu. She cites that in 2002 a close friend of hers contracted avian flu, but she was fortunate enough to survive.
Another international student from Taiwan points out that “Like SARS, the avian flu is not only happen[ing] in Asia.” The political science student explains that the Acadia community should provide information for everyone to be able to understand the affects of the international infection.
A business student from Guangdong, China who asked not to be named, desires for the Acadia community to understand how serious the avian flu is in Asia and the resulting costs it for the region.
Canada has not avoided all experience with the avian flu. Fall 2007 and 2004 saw major incidents of a similar strain of influenza called H7N3 in Saskatchewan and British Columbia. While there are extensive reactionary government plans in place, the fear is of the virus arriving in Canada via migratory bird paths, and further mutations of the existing H7N3 strain.
The avian flu is not an issue limited to Asia where the most serious rates of the virus are seen, but it is an issue that affects individuals as near as on the Acadia campus as well as others in Canada.
Published with the Athenaeum, Acadia Student newspaper on March 27th, 2008.
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