Avian Influenza Questions

Avian flu viruses occur naturally among wild birds, and usually do not affect them. Unlike most avian influenza viruses, the strain of H5N1 currently circulating among birds has caused death in more than 80 species of wild birds. Avian influenza can be very contagious among domestic poultry, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, making them very sick and often killing them. Find answers to frequently asked questions questions about avian influenza by following the links below.

Categories of Questions on this Page:

• Basic Information
• Countries
• Human Infection
• Military Service Personnel

Basic Information

• What is avian influenza (bird flu)?
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• How does avian influenza spread among birds?
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• How long does the virus live in bird/animal feces?

• Where is avian influenza found?
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• Which countries have been affected by outbreaks in poultry?
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• Where have human cases of H5N1 influenza occurred?
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• Are any Americans infected?
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• What are the concerns about avian influenza A (H5N1) outbreaks in Asia, Europe, the Near East, and Africa?

Human Infection

• Do avian influenza viruses infect humans?
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• How do people become infected with avian influenza viruses?
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• What are the symptoms of avian influenza in humans?
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• How is avian influenza detected in humans?
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• How is avian influenza in humans treated?
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• How does H5N1 virus differ from seasonal influenza viruses that infect humans?
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• What does the Environmental Protection Agency know about the persistence of AI virus in environmental media (soils, water, air)?

• (Armed Services) Will I be involved in dealing with avian influenza, either domestically or abroad?
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• (Armed Services) Where can I find more information and the most recent alerts about avian influenza?