Few are prepared for bird flu dangers

By now I assume we've all heard or read something about the bird flu - that deadly outbreak that's been the source of major concern in Asia and parts of Europe. Unlike other strains of flu, this one is carried apparently by migrating birds which means there is virtually no way to stop the spread.

The problem is of such concern that a United States spy satellite is tracking the migrating birds which started in Asia and are now making their way to Siberia and Alaska. They will soon mingle with flocks from the North American flyway and eventually spread the potential disaster across the United States.

So just how concerned should we be about the bird flu that will arrive here in less than a year?

Well, a similar bird flu actually struck here 20 years ago and the chicken industry lost millions and millions of dollars from infected poultry.

But it gets much worse. Currently, the flu kills millions of birds but fewer than 100 human deaths have been reported. That's a drop in the bucket compared with other flu outbreaks. But here's the kicker. If the flu continues to alter and infects humans - as many are predicting - then once it arrives here, within three months, without an effective vaccine, half the residents of the United States would have the flu. And thousands would die.

This weekend the Secretary of Health and Human Services dropped a bombshell when he recommended Americans begin storing canned tuna and powdered milk in preparation for a major bird flu outbreak here. Now that's pretty strong language. But I promise you it will fall on deaf ears.

Just like earthquake preparedness kits in our region, the idea has merit but most of us ignore the warnings. I remember standing in a long line for swine flu shots nearly 30 years ago and that epidemic never developed. Only time will tell if the bird flu is as disastrous as some predict.

Some experts talk about the bird flu like a poorly written made-for-television movie. They see people dying in the streets from this mysterious bird flu epidemic. And so they issue their warnings.

A science fiction writer many, many years ago wrote about the end of mankind. In his version, the world does not end from an all-out war but from an unusual strain of the common cold. People found great humor in his doomsday prediction.

As you read about the bird flu and the extreme possibilities, fewer people are laughing today.