Bird Flu" or Avian Influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that can classified as either low pathogenic (low mortality) or high pathogenic (up to 100% mortality). Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza like the common flu in humans is a common annual event in birds. High Pathogenic Avian Influenza like the H5N1 virus circulating in Asia, Europe, and Africa is less common.

Most of the countries are working with WHO/OIE/FAO to attempt accurate surveillance and reporting with culling of large populations of infected and exposed poultry (chickens, ducks, turkeys). Those countries with cases of human bird flu are trying to isolate and quarantine (mostly via hospitalization) the infected and potentially infected cases. They are sending test samples to reference labs for verification of infections with the H5N1.

Infected birds shed flu virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated excretions or surfaces that are contaminated with excretions. It is believed that most cases of bird flu infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces.

Studies done in laboratories suggest that the prescription medicines approved for human flu viruses should work in preventing bird flu infection in humans. However, flu viruses can become resistant to these drugs, so these medications may not always work. Additional studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of these medicines

The risk from bird flu is generally low to most people because the viruses occur mainly among birds and do not usually infect humans. However, during an outbreak of bird flu among poultry (domesticated chicken, ducks, turkeys), there is a possible risk to people who have contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with excretions from infected birds.

Federal, state, and local governments have in place a variety of disaster plans that would be used in the event avian influenza is found in the US. Wildlife surveillance and domestic flock monitoring plans will be stepped up to track the disease's spread. Federal, state, and local health departments have plans in place to monitor local clinics and hospitals for signs of human infection and to care for people infected.

Symptoms of bird flu reported in humans have ranged from typical influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress (difficulty breathing), viral pneumonia and other severe and life-threatening complications. Only if you have recently returned from travel to an area where bird flu is present. Depending on your symptoms, dates of travel, and activities, additional testing might be recommended.

The bird flu (also referred to as avian flu) refers to strains of the influenza virus that infect birds. Avian flu occurs worldwide and was first identified over 100 years ago. Normally avian flu viruses don't infect species other than birds and pigs. In 1997, however, the first documented human case of avian flu occurred in Hong Kong.

There is minimal risk of contracting bird flu from poultry in most parts of the world, including North America. You are at increased risk of contracting bird flu if you live in or travel to a risk area that is experiencing a bird flu outbreak in poultry (the Republic of Korea, Viet Nam, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Indonesia, and China). The World Health Organization updates this list periodically http://www.who.

Transmission can occur from infected poultry, primarily chickens and ducks, or their feces to humans and other poultry. There is no evidence that eating properly cooked poultry or eggs can cause infection. Your risk of contracting avian flu depends on your proximity to infected poultry; there is currently minimal risk for members of the Ohio State community.

Symptoms of bird flu in humans consist of normal flu-like symptoms of coughing, sore throat, muscle-ache and fever. Eye infections, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress and other severe life-threatening complications can also accompany the disease.

Travelers to affected countries are advised to avoid poultry farms and live bird markets during their visit. In addition, wild waterfowl or waterfowl showing signs of disease should be avoided in these countries. Although birds in Arizona are unlikely to be infected with bird flu, it is always a good idea to avoid contact with birds showing signs of disease. People who raise waterfowl or poultry should immediately report any suspicious disease in their birds to their veterinarian.

Each year there are several strains of flu in wild bird populations just like there are several strains of human flu. The avian influenza virus currently circulating in Asia, Europe, and Africa is a highly pathogenic variety (HPAI) and is more contagious then the more common low pathogenic viruses (LPAI).

Avian influenza, or avian flu, is a common, naturally occurring virus in birds that has many forms or subtypes. Scientists believe all birds are susceptible to infection by some form of avian flu. Some birds, like waterfowl, can be infected with the virus but develop no signs of illness. In addition, the potency (virulence) varies greatly among the various subtypes of the avian flu virus.