Tag Archives: influenza virus

Discover All The Secrets About Avian Bird Flu

Avian bird flu is a contagious disease that affects mainly birds. It is a strand of disease that comes from the influenza virus which is very species-specific. That means it usually only affects the species that coincides with the particular strand. The main concern with it is its ability to contaminate huge flocks of poultry. Domestic birds don’t usually become infected unless they are in contact with native birds in the area. Most native birds have an immunity to bird flu but they still carry it in their blood. Read more »

Asking About Bird Flu

1. What virus is responsible for Bird flu?

There are many subtypes of influenza “A” virus, which affect in a different way poultry, causing mild or serious diseases to birds.

The most lethal subtype of influenza “A” virus is H5N1, also known to be very dangerous to humans.

2. Why do we call the virus H5N1?

On the surface of the virus are some proteins called Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA). Read more »

The Impact of Bird Flu on Human Beings

The Avian flu is caused by the virus group called Influenza, a related virus to the ones that produce the flu in humans. The most contagious and dangerous Influenza is the strain H5N1 that causes almost 100% death in infected birds from all species.

The human catch of the virus occurs by direct or indirect contact with sick birds or with secretions, feces or oral discharges from infected chicken or ducks. Read more »

Avian Influenza (bird Flu) Particular Concerns

Avian Influenza first occurred in Italy, but nowdays is spread along the world. It is an infectious disease caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. All birds are supposed to be susceptible to the avian influenza, but particularly domestic poultry.

Recombined with the human influenza viruses form a totally new influenza virus to which people do not have protection that spreads in the population and that causes serious illness and death in humans. Bird Flu is an infectious disease of birds that can also affect people. It can present mild or severe forms of illness.

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Most Common Questions About Bird Flu

The bird Influenza virus is a contagious condition to which all species of birds are exposed. It varies from milder forms to a very severe stage that usually leads to death. Some bird species are more resistant to the virus than others but the real danger of the Bird flu is the possibility of transmission to humans.

The disease is caused by more subtypes of the Influenza virus A; the different subgroups can undergo mutations and create high pathological forms of the condition. The most dangerous bird flu for man is the one caused by the virus H5N1.

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Useful Information on Bird Flu

Bird Flu, also called avian Influenza, is caused by the Influenza viruses strain A. The most contagious group is H5N1 that produces epidemics and deaths in birds and humans. The disease was first identified over 100 years ago in Italy and since that time cases have appeared all over the world.

The most susceptible of Bird Flu are domestic poultry but all species of birds are believed to be sensitive to the disease. Wild birds though are more resistant to H5N1. Chickens and turkeys are most susceptible. Read more »