What is avian “bird flu”?
There are many different types of influenza viruses circulating in the world at any given time. Some infect only birds, some infect only swine, and others only infect humans. The term “bird flu” or “avian influenza” refers to influenza strains that affect birds. One particular avian strain, known as H5N1, has caused severe illness in birds in recent years. Hundreds of millions of chickens and ducks have died or been killed in an effort to control this strain of influenza, but the H5N1 virus has been found in birds in many parts of Asia, and is now appearing in other parts of the world as well. The virus is probably being spread by wild birds, who may or may not become ill when infected. Domestic poultry is very susceptible to H5N1.Although the H5N1 virus primarily affects birds, it can also spread to people. Most people who have gotten the virus work directly with poultry, or had close contact with birds. That usually means direct contact with live birds, or bird droppings. So far, it
Avian bird flu is an infection caused by bird influenza viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.
