Avian Influenza
Avian influenza, commonly called “bird flu”, refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. Influenza A viruses have different subtypes, and the types of influenza are often specific to their species.
Avian influenza A (bird flu) viruses may be transmitted from infected birds to other animals, and potentially to humans, in two main ways:
- Directly from infected birds or from avian influenza A virus-contaminated environments.
- Through an intermediate host, such as another animal. These animals can get sick with avian influenza A through direct infection can occur from exposure to saliva, mucous, or feces from infected birds and then spread the virus to humans.
Avian influenza A infections among people are rare; however, human infections can happen when enough virus gets into a person's eyes, nose, or mouth, or is inhaled. People with close contact or contact with contaminated material without wearing personal protective equipment (such as respiratory and eye protection) with infected birds or places where sick birds or their mucous, saliva, or feces have contaminated, might be at greater risk of avian influenza A virus infection.
Illness in humans range from mild (e.g., eye infections, cough, sore throat) to severe (e.g., pneumonia, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing). People that develop these symptoms after a possible exposure should stay home and call their healthcare provider.
Recently, one strain of avian influenza A, (H5N1), found widely in wild birds has caused outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows. While the risk to humans remains low, there have been confirmed human H5N1 infections in the U.S. among workers on affected farms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are monitoring this situation closely and updates can be viewed here (H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation | Bird Flu | CDC).
For more in-depth information on avian influenza A, visit the links listed below.
