Understanding the Threat of Bird Flu

What is Bird Flu?

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a disease caused by influenza viruses that normally infect birds and other animals. The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain can infect humans who have close contact with infected poultry or surfaces that are contaminated with secretions and excretions from infected birds.

Causes and Transmission
Bird flu viruses are classified into low-pathogenic and high-pathogenic strains. The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain is of greatest concern for human health. Wild aquatic birds worldwide serve as the natural hosts for avian influenza virus. Domestic poultry becomes infected through contact with contaminated excretions from wild birds.

The H5N1 virus then spreads quickly among poultry through respiratory droplets and contact with infected surfaces. Humans do not transmit the virus to one another easily. However, human-to-human transmission is still possible, especially if the virus mutates to become less species-specific. Close, unprotected contact with live or dead infected domestic or wild birds puts humans at risk.


Get More Insights On Global Bird Flu

https://justpaste.me/Ym7d5