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Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can also infect humans and other animals. The virus occurs naturally among wild aquatic birds but can spread to domestic poultry, such as chickens and turkeys, through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces. There are several strains of bird flu virus, some of which can cause mild illness in birds, while others can be highly pathogenic and lead to severe outbreaks with high mortality rates.

In humans, bird flu infections are rare but can occur through close contact with infected birds or their droppings. Symptoms of bird flu in humans can range from mild, flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory illness and even death in some cases. The risk of human-to-human transmission is generally low, but certain strains of the virus, such as H5N1 and H7N9, have raised concerns about the potential for widespread outbreaks and pandemics.

Preventing bird flu requires strict biosecurity measures in poultry farms and markets to limit the spread of the virus among birds. These measures include proper sanitation, quarantining sick birds, and controlling movement of poultry and poultry products. In addition, vaccination of poultry against highly pathogenic strains of bird flu can help reduce the risk of outbreaks.

In humans, reducing the risk of bird flu involves avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds, practicing good hygiene, and following food safety guidelines when handling and cooking poultry products. Health authorities also monitor bird flu outbreaks closely and may implement measures such as culling infected birds, restricting movement of poultry, and conducting surveillance and testing in affected areas to control the spread of the virus.

While bird flu remains a concern for both animal and human health, continued vigilance, surveillance, and collaboration among governments, health authorities, and the poultry industry are essential for preventing and managing outbreaks of this potentially serious disease.

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