Bird Flu / Asian Flu / H5N1

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What is Bird Flu?

Avian Influenza is a form of influenza carried by birds, yet may infect several species of mammals. It is known to exist worldwide yet was first identified in the early 1900's in Italy. These virus's are composed of the Influenza A genus and are a segmented RNA virus. So far 15 strains of Bird Flu have been identified, with the most contagious strains being the H5 and H7 forms. The latest international crisis has been prompted by the proliferation of the deadly H5N1 strain being spread world wide by migratory wild foul. The biggest fear among the scientific community is that this strain will eventually morph and become contagious in a human to human variant, starting a major pandemic. Cause for action has been prompted by the recent findings that the 1918 'Spanish Influenza' that killed some 40 million was caused by a mutated Bird Flu variant.

NEWS

The Bird Flu/Avian Flu news headlines shown above are provided courtesy of Medical News Today and are subject to the terms and conditions stated on the Medical News Today website.

Bird Flu/Avian Flu News from Medical News Today