Bird Flu

The CDC had a lot of information on Bird Flu. Here's a rundown of the main facts about bird flu:

• Bird Flu, also known as Avian Influenza, is caused by bird flu viruses that occur "naturally by birds" (CDC). Because of this, consumption of such domestic birds such as ducks, chickens, and turkeys can cause a transferring of the disease.
• The virus can be spread through saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Any contact with said bodily excretions can cause the contraction of the virus and accordingly Bird Flu. The virus can also reside on certain surfaces. Contact with said surfaces can lead to the contraction of the disease; this acts as a catalyst for the spread of the disease from wild birds to domestic birds.
• There are two forms of the disease: low pathogenic and high pathogenic. Low pathogenic form causes mild symptoms "such as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production" (CDC) and in some cases, it can go undetected. High pathogenic form "spreads more rapidly through flocks of poultry" (CDC) thus facilitating the spread. it affects the organs and has a mortality of rate of 90-100% within a 48 hours time frame.
• There are 16 known subtypes of the virus. When people say "bird flu virus" they usually mean influenza A viruses which have been reported in both birds and humans. "Human influenza virus" refers to the 3 known subtypes of influenza viruses: H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2. If there is an outbreak among several birds, there is a risk to those who have been in contact with infected birds or surfaces.
• Human symptoms include regular flu symptoms (sneezing, fever, coughing, sore throat) and "eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases....and other severe and life-threatening complications). The symptoms are dictated by which virus one has.
• Some research indicates that some prescription medicines which have been prescribed or human influenza have been known to treat avian influena in humans but it may not work in all cases.

This site was very helpful in giving an easy to understand general rundown on what Bird Flu is and how it can and has affected people along with how it is spread.