What is the difference between low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in birds?
Avian influenza viruses are classified as LPAI and HPAI based upon the severity of illness for birds. Most avian influenza strains are classified as LPAI since they cause little or no clinical signs of illness in infected birds. LPAI viruses pose little risk to humans. HPAI causes severe illness and death in poultry. Some HPAI viruses, especially the H5N1 viruses, also cause severe illness and death in humans. The spread of H5N1 HPAI continues to be a concern for human health, as well as animal health. There is a concern this strain in birds may re-assort with human strains and cause a novel virus that could be extremely virulent and spread around the world.
Related Questions
- Why is culling of birds recommended for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), but it is not recommended for pigs and birds infected with pandemic influenza virus?
- What is the difference between low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in birds?
- How does a low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAI) becomes a high pathogenic Avian Influenza virus (HPAI)?
