H5N1 bird flu
Countries that have reported deaths of poultry or wild birds linked to highly pathogenic H5N1 infection. [1]
Ongoing circulation of H5N1 viruses in poultry, especially when endemic, continues to pose threats to public health, as these viruses have both the potential to cause serious disease in people and may have the potential to change into a form that is more transmissible among humans. [2]
Bird, or avian, flu in humans has occurred sporadically since the late 1990s. [3]
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1, also known as “bird flu”, A(H5N1) or simply H5N1, is a subtype of the influenza A virus which can cause illness in humans and many other animal species. [4]
AI viruses are divided into two groups based on their ability to cause disease in poultry: high pathogenicity or low pathogenicity. [2]
Concern is growing about a mutant strain of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus that is spreading in Asia and beyond. [5]
The information on CDC’s avian influenza website is no longer being updated. [6]
H5N1 is common among birds in Asia, who shed the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and faeces. [3]
A dead cat infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus was found in Germany. [1]
On September 27, 2007 researchers reported that the H5N1 bird flu virus can also pass through a pregnant woman’s placenta to infect the fetus. [4]
Sources:
[1] Global spread of H5N1 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[2] WHO | Avian influenza
[3] BBC - Health: Bird flu
[4] Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[5] BBC News - Q&A: Bird flu
[6] CDC: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)