Influenza caused by avian (bird) influenza Type A viruses
(mainly H5N1 strain). It is endemic in the poultry population
in Eurasia and can occasionally be transmitted to humans
through direct contact with sick birds (inhalation of
infectious droplets). Disease can be mild or severe and has
limited potential to spread from person to person but there is
risk of mutations giving rise to a very infectious virus which
could cause widespread epidemics. Avian flu is a notifiable
disease.