Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza

Influenza (often abbreviated to flu) is an infection of the respiratory system caused by an influenza virus. Throughout the world, outbreaks of influenza occur during the winter season. The illness occurs in epidemics, with large numbers of people all becoming sick at once. Usually, each outbreak can be attributed to one strain of influenza virus. These strains evolve continuously, meaning that the influenza virus differs from year to year.

Avian influenza is caused by several strains of influenza which normally affect wild birds. It is easily spread between birds – both wild and domestic – and sometimes even pigs, though rarely from animals to humans. In most cases, humans acquire avian influenza through very close contact with an infected bird.

The current strain of bird flu, H5N1, which is particularly concentrated in Asian and Middle-Eastern countries, causes an infection which cannot be spread to other people. Currently, the main concern regarding H5N1 is that it is likely to mutate, and potentially in such a way that the virus can be transmitted from person to person. This would facilitate the rapid spreading of avian influenza, leading to a worldwide pandemic. A vaccine against avian influenza is currently being developed.

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