Avian Influenza ("Bird Flu" or "Avian Flu")



What is it?
Avian influenza (also known as bird flu) is a type of infectious disease generally found in birds and is caused by a strain of the influenza virus. It was first identified in Italy over a 100 years ago and is now known to exist worldwide. [Source: CNN]

What are the symptoms?
In humans, it has been found that avian flu causes similar symptoms to other types of flu:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• muscle aches
• conjunctivitis
• in severe cases of avian flu, it can cause severe breathing problems and pneumonia, and can be fatal.

[Source: BUPA]

Web Resources
About.com: Avian Flu
Bird Flu Today
CNN's Health Library - Information provided in conjunction with the Mayo Clinic
Global Changes' "The Threat from Bird Flu"
Google News on Avian Influenza - This link will provide up-to-date news from major media outlets
Science Explained: "Chicken Flu"

Health Organizations' Resources
Center for Disease Control (CDC): Avian Influenza
FAO's Animal Production and Health Division
OSHA, Protecting Workers from Flu
University of Davis Veterinary Medical Extension Avian Influenza Fact Sheet
World Health Organization: Avian Flu

Disclaimer: The views expressed in these Web sites and videos do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of the Asian Educational Media Service.
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Last Updated July 27, 2012