Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, refers to a large group of different influenza viruses that primarily affect birds. Wild birds can carry the viruses, but usually do not get sick from them. However, some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks and turkeys can become infected, and will often die from the virus. Each year, there is a flu season for birds just as there is for humans and, as with people, some forms of the flu are worse than others.
On rare occasions, these avian flu viruses can infect other species, including pigs and humans. The vast majority of avian flu viruses do not infect humans. H5N1, the strain of Avian Flu currently affecting countries in the Middle East, Europe and Asia, has the potential to develop into a human pandemic, since it might ultimately adapt into a strain that is spread easily from person to person. Once this adaptation occurs, it will no longer be a bird virus--it will be a human influenza virus.
Additional Information
For more information about H5N1 Avian Flu and general avian flu facts, visit:
To learn more about how Virginia responds to different flu viruses that affect birds, visit: