What is Bird Flu? Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a viral infection that can infect various bird species including domestic poultry like chickens, ducks, and turkeys. The infection is caused by influenza A viruses that normally infect only birds and other animals. However, some viruses have crossed the species barrier to infect humans. Types of Bird Flu Viruses There are different subtypes of avian influenza viruses based on two surface proteins - hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). The H5N1 virus is one of the most common strains that have caused large outbreaks in poultry and small numbers of severe human cases globally. Other strains like H7N9 have also caused human infections in some parts of Asia. Based on their ability to cause disease, the World Health Organisation classifies avian influenza virus strains into two categories - highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) which can cause severe disease in domestic poultry and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) which usually causes few clinical signs in infected birds. Symptoms in Birds In birds, the HPAI viruses like H5N1 cause severe systemic illness with high mortality rates. Common signs include sudden death without apparent clinical signs, decreased egg production, soft-shelled or misshapen eggs, swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles and hocks as well as hemorrhages on the shanks and internal organs. Bird Flu post-mortem examination, tissues will show evidence of hemorrhage in multiple organs like the intestine and lungs. Transmission to Humans Human infections occur mainly through direct contact with infected live or dead poultry, contaminated environments and fomites (objects). In rare cases, humans may also get the infection directly from other infected humans, particularly in families that have sustained outbreaks. Aerial droplets from coughs and sneezes of infected humans are thought to most efficiently transmit the infection between people. Good hygiene practices like handwashing along with proper cooking of meat and eggs help reduce the risk of transmission to humans. Symptoms in Humans In humans, typical H5N1 influenza symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and severe respiratory illness such as pneumonia or acute respiratory distress. Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea are also commonly reported in some H5N1 patients. The virus has a very high case fatality rate in humans, estimated to be over 50% by the WHO based on laboratory confirmed cases. However, not all cases may be detected due to lack of surveillance in some regions. Global Impact and Spread Since it was first detected in humans in 2003, H5N1 has spread across many countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Countries that have reported human H5N1 cases to the WHO include Cambodia, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Mass culling of poultry is one of the major control strategies used. Key factors that drive the spread of avian influenza are wild bird migration patterns, improper biosecurity on poultry farms as well as illegal trade in birds and poultry products. There are also continued concerns about the virus evolving to gain the ability of efficient human-to-human transmission which could lead to a pandemic. Pandemic Potential While most avian influenza viruses do not infect humans easily, some strains have shown the ability to transmit between humans on rare occasions or cause severe disease. This unpredictable nature poses a major global public health threat. If the virus mutates further to gain the capacity for sustained human-to-human transmission, we could be facing the start of an influenza pandemic. Past pandemics like the 1918 Spanish Flu are estimated to have caused tens of millions of deaths worldwide. Ongoing surveillance of circulating avian influenza viruses helps monitor their evolution and pandemic risk. Preparedness planning also aims to minimize the impact of a potential influenza pandemic. Control and Prevention Efforts Coordinated global efforts are underway to control and monitor avian influenza threats at both national and international levels. In poultry, measures center around stamping out outbreaks, farm quarantines and vaccination programs. Improved biosecurity can reduce opportunities for virus transmission. Environmental sampling also aids detection of virus circulation in wild birds. In humans, disease control relies on prompt identification of cases, contact tracing, quarantining and antiviral use for treatment when available. Cooperation between animal health and public health sectors through organizations like the WHO, OIE and FAO is crucial for a comprehensive "One Health" approach to deal with the influenza challenges at the human-animal interface. Continued surveillance, research on better diagnostics, vaccines and therapies as well as education on preventive practices are also important activities to minimize risks from this global zoonotic disease. avian influenza remains an ongoing threat to poultry industries and public health worldwide. While large outbreaks in poultry have been contained, the viruses have continued to sporadically infect humans. Pandemic preparedness requires concerted global efforts to control the disease at its source in animals, rapidly respond to any human cases and strengthen disease detection capabilities. Progress in these areas can help curb infectious disease threats like avian influenza that could have devastating health and economic impacts if left unchecked. Get this Report in Japanese Language 鳥インフルエンザ Get this Reports in Korean Language 조류 독감 About Author: Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights. (LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137 )