Key Facts About Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) and Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus

The disease has spread to birds in Europe, where it's been confirmed in Turkey and Romania in recent weeks, as well as in Russia. We could expect human cases of H5N1 flu in Europe, so the threat has to be taken seriously.

Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among wild birds and they usually do not get sick from them. However, bird flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides background information about avian influenza, including recent outbreaks, the viruses, and the risk to human health here.