Avian influenza is an infectious viral disease mainly found in birds, but under certain circumstances infections can also occur in humans even though the risk is generally very low.
Avian influenza viruses (AIV) remain prevalent among wild bird populations in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA), leading to significant illness in and death of birds.
In a joint report released today, ECDC and EFSA outline the contributing drivers for influenza A(H5N1) viruses to acquire the ability to spread efficiently among humans, thereby increasing their pandemic potential.
What is avian influenza (bird flu)? Why are we concerned about bird flu outbreaks? What are the control measures in birds and animals? How do outbreaks of avian influenza spread? etc.