Whats the difference between high and low pathogenicity?
The virus is considered low or highly pathogenic based on the severity of the illness in the bird population. Highly pathogenic avian influenza causes a severe disease that escalates rapidly from the onset of symptoms to severe illness and death in the bird population. Deaths in the bird population can approach 100% when the virus is highly pathogenic. Low pathogenic viruses cause less serious illness and the affected birds often recover. Low and high pathogenicity refers to how the virus behaves in birds. Every precaution has and continues to be taken to protect human health regardless of the virus’ pathogenicity in birds.
