Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 sub-type) AVIAN INFLUENZA & WILD BIRDS: FAQs What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease affecting many species of birds. It is caused by a Type A influenza virus, which has 16 H subtypes and 9 N subtypes. There are two forms of avian influenza virus defined by their pathogenicity to poultry; low pathogenic (LPAI) and highly pathogenic (HPAI). Only viruses of the H5 and H7 subtypes are known to cause the highly pathogenic form of the disease in poultry – such HPAIs are of serious concern for the poultry industry. A highly pathogenic form of the H5N1 virus is currently spreading across Eurasia and Africa, known as Asian lineage HPAI H5N1, and has caused enormous losses of poultry, and some mortality in wild birds and humans.
