Avian Flu---Time's A-Tickin'...

Avian Flu. What is it? Why is it in the news every week? Why should I care?

Do you know the answers to these questions?

Over the next few postings, we will be sharing brief information with you to help answer these questions and more. We will also post links to important internet sites to expand your knowledge and help you prepare.

What is Avian Flu?

Avian flu refers to a group of different flu viruses that primarily affect birds. On rare occasions, these bird viruses can infect other species, including pigs and humans. The majority of avian flu viruses do not infect humans. A flu pandemic happens when a new virus emerges that has not previously infected humans. The H5N1 avian virus that is spreading across continents has not circulated in humans before. For this reason, avian H5N1 is a strain with pandemic potential. It is thought by scientists that this strain will ultimately adapt into a strain that is contagious among humans. Once this adaptation occurs, it will no longer be a bird virus--it will be a human flu virus.

Pandemic: An epidemic of disease with a worldwide scope. The "black death" (bubonic plague) in the middle ages and the influenza strain that killed millions across the world in 1917-20 are examples.

For more in-depth information from the World Health Organization go to:

WHO Avian Influenza Frequently Asked Questions

Next: Current world status of the Avian Flu.