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  Find links to leading agencies on avian flu and wildlife diseases in Canada.
• NOVA Science Now Video "Pandemic Flu" that explains the basics of avian flu. © WGBH Educational Foundation

In this section

1. About Avian Flu
2. Role of Migratory birds
3. Monitoring Avian Flu
4. DUC's Position
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. References
7. Bird Flu Update

 

Avian Flu

Avian influenza, or bird flu or avian flu, is a common, naturally occurring virus in birds that has many forms or subtypes. Scientists believe all birds are susceptible to infection by some form of avian flu. Some birds, like waterfowl, can be infected with the virus but develop no signs of illness. In addition, the potency (virulence) varies greatly among the various subtypes of the avian flu virus.

Virulence is classified as either low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) or high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Most avian flu subtypes are LPAI and cause little or no signs of illness in domestic or wild birds and pose no threat to human health. These subtypes are found every year in waterfowl and other birds. HPAI viruses are associated with the H5 and H7 subtypes. Some strains of the H5 and H7 subtypes are extremely infectious and fatal to domestic poultry, sometimes posing a threat to human health.

The high pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian flu (also known as Asian strain H5N1) has been found in Asia, Europe and Africa. The virus has affected hundreds of millions of domestic poultry and is receiving great attention within the medical community, because it has resulted in 200 human deaths since the winter of 2003-2004. Direct contact with infected domestic poultry flocks or contaminated facilities have been the primary transmission route in the 328 confirmed human cases in which it has been clearly established. There is no evidence for sustained human-to-human spread of this flu, but a limited number of possible human-to-human transmissions have been reported.

The high pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian flu has not been found in North America. 

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