What Is Avian Influenza?
Avian influenza, widely known as bird flu, is an extremely contagious and devasting viral disease primarily affecting wild and domestic birds. The virus is most prevalent during bird migration, as wild birds serve as carriers, harbouring multiple strains of avian influenza viruses without displaying symptoms. Transmission often occurs through direct contact with wild birds or exposure to infected faeces or secretions. Research highlights a direct link between avian migration and the spread of the disease. Not all variants of avian influenza are highly pathogenic, some variants only cause mild disease. However, strains like A(H5N1) are highly pathogenic and the main drivers for the epidemic observed today.