When Avian Flu Persists, Wildlife May Sound Tamer than Birds
Although the Type A influenza virus which is responsible for Avian Flu (or more commonly referred to as Bird Flu) is known to be susceptible to waterfowl and poultry species only, there is a very high possibility that a new viral strain will emerge as a result of the combination of Human Influenza Virus and that of Bird Flu. This is feared to develop into a worldwide phenomenon, a pandemic which humans have no resistance to.
According to the World Health Organization, similar Flu Pandemics were experienced three times in the 20th Century. Subsequent research showed that in 1997, a sub-strain developed from the mixture and exchange of genetic materials between Human Influenza and Type A Influenza Viruses. This resulted into the discovery of H5N1 strain of influenza virus which affected 18 and killed 6 in Hongkong. In 2004, bird flu was reported to have infected 44 people in several south Asian countries, killing 32.
The H5N1 strain, according to genetic studies, is said to mutate rapidly and is passed through direct contact with poultry and water birds excreta. This explains why the outbreaks first...