What is avian influenza?

Avian influenza (AI), also known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease of chickens and turkeys.
infectious viral disease of chickens and turkeys, but many other birds are also susceptible.
susceptible.
There are two basic groups of avian influenza viruses, the so-called
pathogenic ("less pathogenic") and highly pathogenic ("very pathogenic") influenza viruses.
pathogenic") influenza viruses. The highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses
(for example H5N8) can lead to high animal losses in poultry, for example chickens or turkeys.
lead to high animal losses. In contrast, the low pathogenic influenza viruses often only cause
signs of disease, as these viruses lack the properties to cause severe illness.
to trigger a serious illness. Only infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza
influenza viruses is referred to as avian influenza.