Bird Flu Virus

Bird flu is a type of disease which is the result of influenza A viruses infecting birds. It is also called H5N1 or avian flu, and despite the fact that the disease comes from birds, it can also be transmitted to humans and other animals. This condition has been found in a large number of bird populations, and is especially prevalent in Southeast Asia. One strain of the disease called HPAI is spreading worldwide. It is said to have already killed millions of birds.  When you hear about bird flu in the news, they are generally talking about HPA1.

Currently, the evidence shows that bird flu is not airborne, and cannot be transmitted between humans. In virtually all cases of the disease, those who were infected spent a lot of time around birds which were infected. Despite this, about 50% of those infected by this disease have died. Many scientists believe that H5N1 is capable of mutating into a stronger flu which can be transmitted between humans. Many prominent virologists have pointed out that if the flu mutates, it is capable of wiping out a large percentage of the Earth's population.

A number of respected scientists are calling for tools which can help them effectively fight this disease. High ranking members of the United Nations have stated that a worldwide crisis caused by this flu could kill well over 100 million people. The bird flu is very dangerous because of its ability to mutate quickly, and because it has begun to require larger hosts. Many experts consider this flu to currently be the most dangerous threat to humanity. Billions of dollars have already been spent researching it, and many institutions are making preparations for a potential pandemic.

Currently, about 12 companies and 17 nations are developing vaccines to deal with the threat. As of this time, about 30 clinical trials are being produced. If they succeed, this dangerous virus can be brought under control. The goal of industries involved in fighting bird flu is to produce about a billion doses. While bird flu has only recently become well known to the general public, it was first discovered in Scotland in 1959. Despite this, there were notable differences between this version of the flu and the version which is being researched today.

The strongest strain of bird flu evolved between 1999 and 2002. By 2002, the Z genotype was created, and this is also known as the HPAI A because of the origins it has in Asia. Like other viruses, bird flu has strains which are weaker than others. The most dangerous strains have high levels of virulence, and can have a 100% lethality rate among bird populations which are infected. The current strain of bird flu is peculiar in how deadly it is. HPAI is deadly to a large number of species, and is not limited to birds. It should also be noted that bird flu has a large number of different subtypes, and each one has unique characteristics.