Bird Flu Properties

Research has shown that bird flu contains a large number of properties. In this article, I will specifically be talking about the properties of H5N1. This subtype of the bird flu is easily transmitted between birds. It is also capable of performing a large number of mutations, but some forms may not be capable of infecting humans. The avian virus will generally attach itself to the respiratory region within birds. Birds have receptors within their respiratory systems which are absent in humans.

Because of this, the virus is not easily transmitted by coughing. The primary method in which H5N1 is spread is through poultry. If infected poultry products are used in fertilizer or manure,  they can be spread to humans and other animals. Most humans who become infected are individuals who have spent time working around chickens which were infected by poultry themselves. Birds which migrate such as ducks, geese, or swans may carry H5N1 to other regions where they can spread the flu. While the spread of this disease by birds is currently being researched, whether or not other animals can spread it is currently unknown.

H5N1 has mutated into a large number of strains, and each has different pathogenic qualities. Some of these strains may only be pathogenic to a single species, while others may be pathogenic to more than one species. Many of the dominant strains or bird flu share their origins with genotype Z. Many birds who were infected with these strains died from neurological problems. Birds which were infected with bird flu were found in China for the first time in 1996, and the first humans to infected were reported in Hong Kong a year later. Genotype Z primarily effects birds in Southeast Asia, and they have gone through a number of mutations which have made them highly pathogenic.

Birds which are infected by H5N1 will transmit the disease via blood, feces, and saliva. If other animals are exposed to these fluids, they may become infected as well. Bird flu stays infectious for long periods of time when it is exposed to very low temperatures, but becomes weaker when exposed to higher temperatures for a long period of time. This means it will stay infectious for a long time under standard temperatures, and will remain infectious in cold environments such as the Artic. Because migrating birds can carry the virus, it is possible for it to spread around the world within a short period of time.

The ability for this flu to be carried around the world by birds is the thing which separates it from other viruses. Scientists have recently discovered that H5N1 is more dangerous than they thought. Evidence shows that waterfowl are spreading the disease directly among chickens, pigeons, and other birds. In addition to this, it appears that the virus has spread to other mammals. It is this discovery which has prompted scientists to design a number of procedures which can allow the virus to be contained. Many believe this can stop a potential pandemic.