What is Bird Flu / Avian Influenza / H5N1?
In human Influenza H and A viruses bind alpha 2-6 sialic acid receptors, where Avian Influenza viruses bind alpha 2-3 sialic acid receptors. These are the genetics between avian influenza and human influenza.
H5N1, a subtype of influenza A virus endemic to birds. H5N1 is the deadly virus which claimed many peoples’ lives in the last few years. If a human comes into the contact with influenza infected bird then influenza viruses pass into the human body. It can also infect from the chicken of infected birds.
This page is part of the Pet Bird Flu Information Center. To learn about Bird Flu, lets first examine how it “flows” through the system below. Wild Birds Avian Influenza in birds is a sickness caused by bird flu viruses. Many wild birds carry the virus in their intestines, but do not become sick from it. They spread the disease by contact. Birds with the disease secrete the virus in their saliva (spit), nasal secretions (out the nasal holes in their beaks) and in their feces (poop). Those who have been around wild birds are aware they are almost always scratching at something with their feet, pecking at something, or pooping on something. plus many species are constantly moving/milling around. Their restless nature, plus their capability of flight makes them an excellent carrier for diseases spread by contact. In addition the often move in flocks that create even wider dispersions contaminated surfaces. In terms of the current “Bird Flu”, waterfowl (wild ducks, geese) appear to be a ma
