About

• Bird flu, also called avian influenza, is a viral infection caused by Influenza Type A viruses which spreads from bird to bird. 
• These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. 
• There are several subtypes of the avian influenza virus. Currently, a particularly deadly strain of bird flu — H5N1 — continues to spread among poultry. The H5N1 virus can cause severe flu with a high mortality rate.
• Human infections with avian influenza viruses, though rare, have been reported sporadically. Direct or indirect contact with infected animals represents a risk for human infection.
• Recent reports indicate that avian influenza outbreaks are also affecting mammals, including farmed mink, seals, sea lions, cats, and dogs. This has raised global concern as mammals are biologically closer to humans than birds, making the potential for virus adaptation and transmission to humans a significant risk.

Symptoms in humans

• Symptoms of avian influenza in humans are similar to those of regular flu and can include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and severe respiratory distress in advanced cases. 
• Severe disease and death may result from a complication of pneumonia.

Prevention and treatment

• Early detection and accurate warning systems can help effectively prevent the spread of the disease.
• Antivirals have demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of avian influenza virus infections in humans, lowering severity and the risk of death.

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