How does bird flu (H5N1 Avian Influenza) get from birds to humans?
Bird flu is a disease of wild and farm birds. • This type of influenza can also infect other animals and people. • Since the 1990s, bird flu outbreaks have occurred in Asia and Europe • We are watching for changes in the bird flu virus that could lead to easier spread between people. Although rare, human cases of bird flu have been reported. • All human cases of bird flu have been in Asia and Eastern Europe. • A few reports are linked to drinking uncooked poultry blood. • Most human cases probably came from direct contact with infected birds or their droppings.
