| Avian bird flu is a contagious disease that affects | | | | There are two main risk factors for humans when |
| mainly birds. It is a strand of disease that comes from | | | | considering the spread of avian bird flu. The first risk is |
| the influenza virus which is very species-specific. That | | | | direct infection from poultry to humans. This direct |
| means it usually only affects the species that coincides | | | | infection on humans is known to have caused death in |
| with the particular strand. The main concern with avian | | | | the past, due to its aggressive nature, although it is not |
| bird flu is its ability to contaminate huge flocks of | | | | common. |
| poultry. Domestic birds don't usually become infected | | | | The second risk is that avian bird flu will mutate into the |
| unless they are in contact with native birds in the area. | | | | human strand which of course is deadly to all humans. |
| Most native birds have an immunity to bird flu but they | | | | This has sparked major concern in the western world |
| still carry it in their blood. Domestic birds however, are | | | | and many people are buying anti-contamination |
| usually not immune to avian bird flu and when they are | | | | products to protect themselves in the case of an |
| in contact with a carrying bird, they can easily become | | | | outbreak occurring. Although this is unlikely, it is |
| infected. | | | | important to remember that it is possible and people |
| What About The Current Outbreaks In Poultry? | | | | should take a greater interest in the media so they can |
| In 2003 South East Asia saw one of the largest | | | | keep up to date with present news on bird flu. |
| outbreaks of avian bird flu in history. Over 150 million | | | | Is It Safe To Eat Poultry? |
| birds were destroyed. Since that time the disease is | | | | Presently there is no need to be concerned about |
| now considered an endemic in countries such as | | | | eating contaminated chickens or ducks, however |
| Cambodia, China and Thailand. It is thought that the | | | | when entering countries in South East Asia that are still |
| disease is still showing up in these countries today and | | | | caught in an endemic, people should take certain care |
| may take several more years before the disease is | | | | about the products they consume. In fact probably the |
| fully under control. | | | | best thing to do when visiting these countries is to stay |
| What Affect Does Avian Bird Flu Have On Human | | | | away from poultry altogether. That way you can be |
| Health? | | | | certain of never picking up avian bird flu. |