In general, avian influenza is a disease of birds caused by bird-specific influenza A virus that is not normally transferred to people; however, people in contact with live poultry are at the greatest risk of becoming infected with the virus and this is of particular concern in areas such as Southeast Asia, where the disease is endemic in the wild bird population and domestic poultry can become infected. The virus possibly could mutate to become highly virulent and infectious in humans and cause an influenza pandemic. COUNT 4
QSN1 Is the Avian flu a risk only to animals? ANS1 people in contact with live poultry are at the greatest risk of becoming infected with the virus QSN2 What portion of the world is considered to be most at risk for the rapid spread of the avian flu? ANS2 areas such as Southeast Asia, where the disease is endemic in the wild bird population and domestic poultry can become infected QSN3 What is the danger to humans in regards to the spread of avian flu to humans ? ANS3 The virus possibly could mutate to become highly virulent and infectious in humans and cause an influenza pandemic. QSN4 Can the avian flu be sread from wild birds to birds kept in husbandry? ANS4 the disease is endemic in the wild bird population and domestic poultry can become infected.