Chapter 19, Problem 3TYU

Summary Introduction

Introduction: Avian influenza virus (H5N1) is a type of influenza A virus that is pathogenic and affects birds. It causes a disease known as bird flu. This disease causes respiratory disease in birds. Humans are infected only when they are in close contact with the infected birds or with environments contaminated with H5N1 virus. H5N1 viral disease is considered to be a promising pandemic threat. A pandemic disease is the spread of an infection worldwide affecting larger human populations.