Avian influenza, or bird influenza is a contagious disease brought on by viruses that generally infect only with birds. Avian influenza viruses are highly species-specific, but have on rare occasions crossed the species barrier to infect individuals.
In domestic poultry, infection with avian influenza viruses results in two main types of ailment, distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence. The so-called “low pathogenic” form generally causes only minor symptoms (ruffled feathers, a drop in egg production) and may immediately undiscovered. The highly pathogenic form is far more dramatic. It spreads fast through poultry flocks, causes illness which affects multiple internal organs, and comes with a death rate that can approach 100%, often within just 48 hours.”
In domestic poultry, infection with avian influenza viruses results in two main types of ailment, distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence. The so-called “low pathogenic” form generally causes only minor symptoms (ruffled feathers, a drop in egg production) and may immediately undiscovered. The highly pathogenic form is far more dramatic. It spreads fast through poultry flocks, causes illness which affects multiple internal organs, and comes with a death rate that can approach 100%, often within just 48 hours.”
