Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza (also known as Bird Flu) is believed to affect all birds, though domestic poultry are believed to be especially prone to it. Avian Influenza ranges from mild disease that has only minor effects to a highly infectious version that is fatal.

SYMPTOMS IN BIRDS:

1.LOSS OF APPETITE.
2.RUFFLED FEATHERS 

4.DIARRHOEA.
5.EXCESSIVE THIRST

SYMPTOMS IN HUMANS

1.FEVER.
2.SORETHROAT
3.PNEUMONIA.
4.ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS

HOW IS IT PASSED:
Infected birds spread the virus through saliva,Faeces and nasal secretions.

So far only humans with direct contact with sick birds have caught the disease. But scientist are worried that bird flu could cross with regular human influenza, mutate and become a deadly new virus triggering a pandemic.



STRAINS AFFECTING HUMANS

H5N1,H7N7,H9N2

Information on Avian Influenza from WHO

Avian Influenza Homepage