9 Bird Flu

Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These influenza viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian influenza is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.

Infected birds shed influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces.

During an outbreak of avian influenza among poultry, there is a possible risk to people who have contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds. Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical human influenza-like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory distress), and other severe and life-threatening complications. The symptoms of avian influenza may depend on which virus caused the infection. There currently is no commercially available vaccine to protect humans. So far this year, 67 humans have died as a result of this disease. Thousands of birds across the world have been eradicated to protect humans from contracting the disease.

The US has banned importation of chicken from Canada and many other affected regions. Earlier this month, President Bush announced a plan to prepare the U.S. for a flu pandemic. The plan emphasizes researching better ways of making vaccines, as well as stockpiling vaccines and antiviral medications.