Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is a contagious viral disease of birds caused by influenza A viruses, which can also infect mammals and, in certain circumstances, humans. The viruses are classified by surface glycoproteins into subtypes designated by combinations of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase types, …
Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is a contagious viral disease of birds caused by influenza A viruses, which can also infect mammals and, in certain circumstances, humans. The viruses are classified by surface glycoproteins into subtypes designated by combinations of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase types, and into low-pathogenic and highly pathogenic forms according to the severity of disease they produce in poultry. Wild aquatic birds serve as the principal natural reservoir, often carrying infection without overt illness, while spillover into domestic poultry can cause explosive, high-mortality outbreaks with major agricultural and economic consequences. Transmission occurs through contact with infected birds, their respiratory secretions and feces, and contaminated environments, water, and equipment. The segmented influenza genome permits antigenic drift through mutation and antigenic shift through reassortment when different strains co-infect a host, generating novel variants and raising pandemic concern when avian viruses acquire the capacity for efficient mammalian or human transmission; serological evidence of influenza A infection has been reported across diverse animal hosts. Human cases, though comparatively infrequent, can be severe. Control relies on surveillance, biosecurity, culling, vaccination of poultry, and pandemic preparedness. Research addresses viral ecology and evolution, cross-species transmission, diagnostics, and the public-health implications of zoonotic respiratory infection.
5 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 5 articles above have been cited 5 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Avian Influenza, linking to each citing work.