Avian Flu: Get the Facts

Avian influenza, or "bird flu", is a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that normally infect only birds and, less commonly, pigs. Avian influenza viruses are highly species-specific, but have, on rare occasions, crossed the species barrier to infect humans.

In domestic poultry, infection with avian influenza viruses causes two main forms of disease, distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence. The so-called "low pathogenic" form commonly causes only mild symptoms (ruffled feathers, a drop in egg production) and may easily go undetected. The highly pathogenic form is far more dramatic. It spreads very rapidly through poultry flocks, causes disease affecting multiple internal organs, and has a mortality that can approach 100%, often within 48 hours.

Get the facts:

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have released web pages that provide background information about avian influenza, including recent outbreaks, the viruses, the risk to human health, and frequently asked questions about bird flu.

The U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (USACHPPM) is an excellent source for information about influenza and offers access to the Department of the Army Policy for Influenza Immunization 2007-2008.

For more information:

• Flu Basics
• Pandemic Flu Planning
• Weekly US Map: Influenza Summary Update
• CDC: Flu Information for Specific Groups
• USACHPPM: Influenza Resources
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Flu Fact Sheet

Source: World Health Organization Web Site