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