Avian Flu information - Italy

Italian veterinary authorities have identified avian influenza (Al) in six migratory swans found dead in three areas of southern Italy: Sicily, Puglia and Calabria. There is no evidence of any contact between affected wild bird populations and commercial poultry, or human cases. Italian territory lies in the path of migratory bird flight patterns: birds that wintered in Africa will be returning to their East European and Siberian summer habitats this spring. To monitor the situation, the Government of Italy last year instituted a testing program for both domestic and wild birds. The main wild avian species being tested in Italy are ducks and geese. Of over 5,000 samples obtained since mid-October, 2005 none has tested positive for the highly pathogenic strain of the H5N1 virus. City dwellers can be reassured that non-migratory birds such as pigeons, starlings and sparrows are resistant to avian influenza viruses and have not been involved in AI outbreaks in any of the countries affected.

Sometimes city dwellers come across dead non-migratory birds. Common causes of death are adverse weather (cold), predator attacks, old age, or avian diseases other than avian influenza. Since some dead urban-dwelling birds could carry other (non-AI) infectious agents or parasites, it is wise to avoid contact with them. City of Rome authorities have informed the Embassy that the proper disposal of dead birds is to deposit them in the trash. This notice provides guidance on what to do if you find a dead bird outside or at your residence.

IF YOU FIND A DEAD BIRD OUTSIDE:
Don't touch it. Leave it be.

IF YOU FIND A DEAD BIRD ON YOUR BALCONY, IN YOUR FIREPLACE, ETC.
1. Wear protective gloves if possible.
2. Without touching it, place the dead bird in a trash bag and seal securely.
3. Take the bird to a trash collection point and dispose of it in a city trash can or bin.
4. Wash or disinfect your hands.

The Italian authority responsible for animal health is the AZIENDA SANITARIA LOCALE (ASL) - SERVIZIO VETERINARIO (Local Health Office/Veterinary Service).

Toll Free Numbers (Operators speak Italian only):
1500 - For general inquiries, from 9:00am - 5:00pm
800-940-918 - To report dead birds

ROME :
ASL Offices Via Ida Baccini, 80 06/87133158
Veterinary Ambulatory Via D. Niccodemi, 95 06/87141367
Chief Veterinarian Via U. Aldrovandi, 12 06-3215188

Experimental Zooprophilactic Institute (Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale)
Via Appia Nuova, 1411
00178 Rome (Capannelle)
tel. 06-790991; fax 06-79340724;
e-mail address: info@izslt.it

MILAN:
Servizio di Igiene Veterinaria
V.le Molise, 66/b tel. 02/857-88914

FLORENCE:
ASL - Servizio Veterinario
Viale Corsica, 4 tel. 055/367-427

NAPLES:
ASL - Servizio Veterinario
Parco San Paolo Isolato, 25 tel: 081/254-3738/8741/8742

The Italian Ministry of Health provides the following information for travelers arriving in Italy from countries affected by Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

In the event you believe, on the basis of reasonable suspect, to have been exposed to contacts with live animal markets and poutrly farms, you should monitor your state of health for at least seven days.

If you become ill with fever and flu-like symptoms (such as pharyngitis, cough, headache and muscular pain, etc.), you should consult a phisician. Inform him or her about your recent travel to the region affected by avian influenza, and whether you were in contact with the animals mentioned above.

At present, there is no information that the disease could spread from person to person. Furthermore, influenza viruses are destroyed by heat; therefore cooked food from poultry, including eggs, do not represent risk.

If you need further information you may call the hot number of the Italian Ministry of Health by dialing 1500.

Additional information

Bird flu: early detection and control measures highly effective in Italy, February 13, 2006 (on the FAO website)