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Avian flu | How it is transmitted A-A
 influenza pandemic

   » What is it    » How it is transmitted    » Those affected    » When    » Prevention    » Dead birds

Very specific conditions required for transmission to humans.

The virus is spread between birds through contact with their secretions or castings (droppings). These types of contact are particularly frequent between wild birds living in large groups and on bird farms. Transmission between wild birds and domestic birds generally occurs in regions where birds are raised free-range outdoors.



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However, the Asian strain of the H5N1 flu virus is not easily spread to humans. The virus is only transmitted by close contact between a person and infected birds. Also, there is no risk in consuming fowl, if it has been cooked adequately. To date, there have been no reported cases of transmission through eggs.

The current H5N1 avian influenza virus is not transmitted between humans.

For the Asian strain of the H5N1 influenza virus to cause a pandemic in humans, its genetic characteristics would first have to change and it would have to transform into a human disease that can be transmitted between people.

For more information :

Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune

Health Canada

World Health Organization

Last update: November 5, 2006