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Bird flu virus
Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu)
viruses. These bird flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds
worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get
sick from them. However, avian influenza is very contagious among birds
and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys,
very sick and kill them.
There are many different subtypes of type A influenza viruses. These subtypes
differ because of changes in certain proteins on the surface of the influenza
A virus (hemagglutinin [HA] and neuraminidase [NA] proteins). There are
16 known HA subtypes and 9 known NA subtypes of influenza A viruses. Many
different combinations of HA and NA proteins are possible. Each combination
represents a different subtype. All known subtypes of influenza A viruses
can be found in birds.
Usually, "bird flu virus" or “avian influenza virus” refers
to influenza A viruses found chiefly in birds, but infections with these
viruses can occur in humans. The risk from avian influenza is generally
low to most people, because the viruses do not usually infect humans.
However, confirmed cases of human infection from several subtypes of avian
influenza infection have been reported since 1997. Most cases of avian influenza
infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry (e.g.,
domesticated chicken, ducks, and turkeys) or surfaces contaminated with
secretion/excretions from infected birds. The spread of bird flu viruses
from one ill person to another has been reported very rarely, and has been
limited, inefficient and unsustained.
“Human influenza virus” usually refers to those subtypes that spread widely
among humans. There are only three known A subtypes of influenza viruses
(H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2) currently circulating among humans. It is likely
that some genetic parts of current human influenza A viruses came from birds
originally. Influenza A viruses are constantly changing, and they might
adapt over time to infect and spread among humans.
During an outbreak of bird flu among poultry, there is a possible risk
to people who have contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been
contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds. It is only
if the birf flu virus mutates to become contagious amongst humans that it
could spread easily between the populations of the world, and that is the
potential global bird flu pandemic that
is worrying so many health agencies around the world.
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bird flu virus - Google News
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CDC begins national bird flu vaccination program - Focus Taiwan News Channel
Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:17:11 GMT+00:00
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Study blames gulls, not storks, for bringing in bird flu - AsiaOne
Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:15:19 GMT+00:00
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Satellite data reveal why migrating birds have a small window to spread bird flu - EurekAlert (press release)
Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:10:53 GMT+00:00
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Flagstaff Bird Tests Positive for West Nile Virus - Northern Arizona Today
Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:53:33 GMT+00:00
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Experts warn deadly bird flu could return - Bangkok Post
Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:54:17 GMT+00:00 |
Experts warn deadly bird flu could returnBangkok PostThe virologist said disease surveillance among pet dogs and cats was essential if bird flu virus re-emerged in the future. Studies had found H5N1 antigens ... |
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Swine Flu Pandemic: Rehearsal for the Future? - Christian Broadcasting Network
Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:35:12 GMT+00:00
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Tracking Bird Flu One Poop at a Time - Reuters
Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:01:29 GMT+00:00
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Most dangerous virus - Helium
Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:58:01 GMT+00:00 |
Most dangerous virusHeliumThe Avian flu virus or H5N1flu virus is still lying in wait. Commonly known as the bird flu virus, this Influenza strain was able to bypass pigs, ...and more » |
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H1N1 Pandemic Is Over, Leaves Stocks to Remember (NVS, SNY, GSK, HEB, APT ... - tickerspy Newswire
Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:24:52 GMT+00:00
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Egypt - Bird flu stikes again - Meattradenewsdaily (blog)
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:06:04 GMT+00:00 |
Egypt - Bird flu stikes againMeattradenewsdaily (blog)Egypt's Agriculture Minister Amin Abbaza said in July that his country has prepared a national strategy to eradicate bird flu in five years. |
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