Avian Influenza, or Bird Flu, is a viral disease that most commonly affects birds caused by type A influenza virus.This disease is most often spread via direct contact between healthy birds and infected birds.

There are two forms of avain influenza:The first one is low pathogenic form which is most common and causes mild respiratory signs, ruffled feathers and reduced egg production.This form occur world wide and can mutate to highly pathogenic form

The second form is highly pathogenic form(H5N1).This is much less common and occur suddenly and may cause severe respiratory signs, affect multiple organs and tissues causing massive internal bleeding.It spread rapidly with high death rate that may reach 100% in 48 hours of onset of signs..

In addition to wild and domesticated birds and poultry, humans, cats, dogs, pigs, rats and other wild animals can become infected with the highly pathogenic strain of bird flu (H5N1).

Transmission is most often via direct contact between healthy birds and infected birds but may also spread indirectly through contact with contaminated materials and equipment with droppings from infected birds.

Human becomes infected with H5N1 through inhalation and ingestion of contaminated materials and droppings from infected birds.Human-human trnasmission is rare.

According to US Department of Agriculture, proper handling and cooking of meats and eggs provides protection against contracting bird flu. Prevention is by destruction of infected birds and minimized human exposure. Good hygiene and hand washing are standard precautions, along with limiting contact with infected birds.

Among the countries in which the disease had been reported are China, Egypt, Iraq, Thailand, Turkey, and Cambodia.However,human cases of bird flu(about 208 cases)had only been reported in China and Thailand with about 115 death so far recorded according to World Health Organization(WHO) report.

No cases of bird flu have been reported in the United States to date (June 2006).

Here are some useful websites for more information:

American Veterinary Medical Association: Avian Flu

Center for Zoonoses Research: Avian Flu

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Avian Flu

USDA: Bird Flu