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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Bird Flu Not a Concern for Americans
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Fewer adults in the United States are worried about the presence of avian influenza in their country, according to a poll by Ipsos-Public Affairs. Only 27 per cent are concerned about bird flu in the U.S., down eight points in a year.
In addition, just 17 per cent of respondents are worried about themselves or someone in their household getting sick from avian influenza, down seven points since 2006.
Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza in several countries around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the virus could mutate into a form that can be transmitted among people.
Since 2003, 313 cases of bird flu in humans have been confirmed, and 191 fatalities have been reported in 12 Asian and African countries.
On Jul. 10, the U.S. state of Virginia banned all live poultry sales and shows for the rest of the month after it was discovered that a flock of 54,000 turkeys might carry avian flu antibodies. Virginia's chief veterinarian, Richard Wilkes, issued the order. Elaine Lidholm, a spokeswoman for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, said humans are not at risk at this time, adding, "The danger is really to the industry."
Polling Data
How concerned are you about the issue of bird flu for the United States?
2007 | 2006 | |
Concerned | 27% | 35% |
Moderately concerned | 34% | 34% |
Not concerned | 41% | 31% |
How concerned are you that you or someone in your household will get sick from bird flu?
2007 | 2006 | |
Concerned | 17% | 24% |
Moderately concerned | 29% | 30% |
Not concerned | 57% | 46% |
Source: Ipsos-Public Affairs
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,438 American adults, conducted from Jun. 7 to Jun. 17, 2007. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.