Avian flu

 

Avian influenza (AI), commonly called bird flu, is an infectious viral disease of birds. Most avian influenza viruses do not infect humans; however some, such as A (H5N1) and A (H7N9), have caused serious infections in people. Outbreaks of AI in poultry may raise global public health concerns due to their effect on poultry populations, their potential to cause serious disease in people, and their pandemic potential. For more information (H7N9 incidence case was only reported till March 2013), please visit WHO.

 

 

The understanding of the epidemiology associated with H7N9, including the main reservoirs of the virus and the extent of its geographic spread among animals, remains limited. However, it is likely that most human cases were exposed to the H7N9 virus through contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments, including markets that sell live poultry. More updated information about risk assessment of this virus can be found at WHO.  

 

 

Avian influenza refers to the disease caused by infection with avian influenza Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with avian flu viruses have occurred. More information about avian influenza is offered to different audiences at US CDC.

 

 

Human infections with a new avian influenza A (H7N9) virus were first reported in China in March 2013. Most of these infections are believed to result from exposure to infected poultry or contaminated environments, as H7N9 viruses have also been found in poultry in China. For more information, please link to US CDC.