Bird Flu - Quick Tips

• Bird flu is also known as avian influenza or avian flu.
  

• Avian influenza is a contagious disease affecting birds which is caused by type A strains of the influenza virus.
  

• There are three types of influenza viruses - A, B, and C.
  

• Influenza A and B viruses are of concern for human health because of the risks of pandemics and seasonal epidemics.
  

• Influenza C only causes mild problems in humans.
  

• Only influenza A viruses can cause pandemics.
  

• Avian influenza affects many bird species, whether wild or domestic poultry and occurs any part of the world.
  

• It is believed that all birds are susceptible to infection with avian influenza viruses, yet many wild bird species carry these viruses with no visible signs of danger.
  

• The H5N1 virus strain is one of 16 varieties of bird flu.
  

• The H5N1 virus is trasmitted through a bird's saliva, nasal secretions and faeces.
  

• H5N1 - The H subtypes govern the ability of the virus to bind to and enter cells, where multiplication of the virus then occurs.
  The N subtypes govern the release of newly formed virus from the cells.
  

Quick tips continue here >> Bird Flu and find out How To Beat Bird Flu to protect yourselves.