International Health Partnership

What is avian influenza and how people can protect against this disease?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the UN or avian influenza is an infectious disease that affects birds and is caused by type A strains of influenza virus. This disease, which was first identified in Italy more than 100 years ago, occurs worldwide.

It is believed that all birds are susceptible to such infection, although certain species are more resistant than others. Infected birds may show different symptoms, from mild flu to a highly contagious disease and fulminant course resulting in severe epidemics.

The latter is known as “highly pathogenic avian influenza. This form is characterized by sudden onset, severe illness and rapid death, with a mortality that can approach 100%.

Migratory waterfowl – especially wild ducks – are the natural reservoir of avian influenza viruses, also being the most resistant to infection. The domestic poultry, including chickens and turkeys, are particularly vulnerable to epidemics of rapidly fatal influenza.

The direct or indirect contact of domestic flocks with wild migratory waterfowl has been mentioned as a frequent cause of such epidemics. Live bird markets have also played an important role in the spread of epidemics.

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