Is there a uniform case definition of avian influenza?

It seems weird to ask for a set case definition of the bird flu, but if different health departments are looking at different things, some cases may go undetected, and therefore untreated.

Here's New Zealand's case definitions of avian influenza in humans. Are they similar to your country's definition? What's different?

Under Investigation

A person who has been referred to the Public Health service for investigation of possible H5N1 infection.

Suspect case of Influenza A (H5N1)

Person with acute lower respiratory tract illness of abrupt onset, characterised by:

• fever (temperature >38 C) and
• cough and/or
• dyspnoea (difficult or laboured breathing).

AND, in the seven days prior to the onset of symptoms, one or more of the following:

1. having been in close contact (less then 1 metre) with a suspect, probable or confirmed case of influenza A (H5N1)
2. exposure to avian species or their remains, or to environments contaminated by their faeces in an area where H5N1 infection in animals or humans have been suspect or confirmed in the last month
3. consumption of raw or undercooked poultry products in an area where H5N1 infections in animals or humans have been suspected or confirmed in the last month
4. close contact with a confirmed H5N1 infected animal of a species other than avian
5. handling samples from persons or animals that are suspected of H5N1 infection
6. working in a laboratory that is handling samples from persons or animals that are suspected of H5N1 infection.

Probable case of Influenza A (H5N1)

1. a person meeting the definition of a suspected case and
2. limited laboratory evidence for Influenza A (H5N1) (such as IFA+ using H5 monoclonal antibodies).

Confirmed case of Influenza A (H5N1)

1. a person meeting the definition of a suspected case; and
2. laboratory testing demonstrates one or more of the following:
   1. positive PCR for Influenza A (H5N1) or
   2. positive viral culture for Influenza A (H5N1) or
   3. immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) test positive using Influenza A/H5 monoclonal antibodies or
   4. a four-fold rise in H-5 specific Ab titer.

Source: New Zealand. Ministry of Health. http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_index/About-Influenza+-+avian+influenza+-+case+definition#top