What is it?
Avian influenza (bird flu) is an infection caused by avian influenza viruses. Avian Influenza A (H5N1) is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, turkeys, and ducks very sick and can be fatal.

How does avian influenza spread among birds?
The infected birds shed influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Domesticated birds may become infected with avian influenza virus through direct contact with infected waterfowl or infected poultry, or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated with the virus.

How do people become infected?
Most cases in humans have resulted from direct or close contact with infected poultry (e.g., domesticated chicken, ducks, and turkeys) or surfaces contaminated with secretions from infected birds. Unlike many other strains of avian influenza, H5N1 can be transmitted to humans, causing severe illness and death.

What are the symptoms of avian influenza in humans?
The reported symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical influenza-like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to eye infections (conjunctivitis), pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, viral pneumonia, and other sever and life-threatening complications.

How is avian influenza in humans treated?
Studies conducted in laboratories suggest that the prescription medicines approved for human influenza viruses should work in treating avian influenza infection in humans. However, influenza viruses can become resistant to these drugs, so these medications may not always work. Additional studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of these medicines.

Bird Migrating Patterns
Useful Information on Bird Flu