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What is avian influenza, or “flu”, and how is it different from a pandemic flu or seasonal flu?

Avian influenza (H5N1) - commonly called "bird flu" - is an infection caused by a highly pathogenic influenza virus that occurs naturally in birds. At this time, it is uncertain whether the H5N1 virus currently circulating in birds will lead to a global disease outbreak (pandemic) in humans.

An influenza pandemic is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus appears or "emerges" in the human population, causes serious illness, and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide.  Following are some key facts about avian flu:

• Avian flu, or “bird flu,” is caused by avian influenza viruses, which occur naturally among birds but do not typically cause disease in humans.
• In the current avian flu outbreak caused by the H5N1 virus, millions of birds have died or been killed.
• H5N1 bird flu was first reported to cause severe illness in humans in Asia in 1997.

• Office of the County Veterinarian’s Bird Flu site.
• Please see the brochure,“Pandemic Flu…what should I do?*” and other materials under the Resources link on this site.
• Key Facts About Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) and Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus -  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Avian Influenza Frequently Asked Questions - World Health Organization (WHO)

For more information about pandemic influenza, send us an email or phone
(888) 633-1330.