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Information about Bird (Avian) Flu (H5N1)
There has been an interest in the bird flu and as a service to our customers we have put together this information page. This webpage does not assert that it is an authority on the avian flu. This webpage is to provide some basic information and links to learn more about the bird flu and ways to get prepared for it. For more information on how to prepare for emergencies, including the bird flu, click here

What is the bird flu?

Avian (or bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available. (pandemicflu.gov)

What is a Pandemic Flu?

An influenza pandemic is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus appears or “emerges” in the human population, causes serious illness, and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide. Pandemics are different from seasonal outbreaks or “epidemics” of influenza. Seasonal outbreaks are caused by subtypes of influenza viruses that already circulate among people, whereas pandemic outbreaks are caused by new subtypes, by subtypes that have never circulated among people, or by subtypes that have not circulated among people for a long time. Past influenza pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

What are the symptoms of bird flu?

Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical human influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory distress syndrome), and other severe and life-threatening complications. The symptoms of avian influenza may depend on which specific virus subtype and strain caused the infection. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

Links

Emergency Preparedness Articles

Information

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Wikipedia Info
Fluwikie
World Health Organization
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Animal Production and Health Division
Mayo Clinic

Current Situation

CDC Current Situation

News: Bird Flu Full Coverage

BBC News
NBC News
ABC News
CBS News
Reuters News
NPR News
AOL News
Yahoo News
Nature Magazine
New York Times

Government Websites

US Government
Official Government Website Avian Flu
National Institutes of Health

Animal Protection

National Wildlife Health Center
World Organization for Animal Health

Maps

Maps of areas with fatalities from the Avian Flu (taken from WHO)