Glossary
Glossary
Avian Influenza or Bird Flu:
A disease of birds caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild migratory birds.
These viruses can infect domestic poultry such as chickens and turkeys. The bird flu can range
from a mild, undetectable form to severe illness resulting in many bird deaths.
Highly Pathogenic(HP) Avian Influenza:
Avian flu viruses are classified based upon the severity of the illness they cause in birds. Highly
pathogenic forms of the cirus can spread rapidly and are often fatal to birds. These forms of avian
influenza virus do not commonly cros over into humans, although it can happen when people are in
close contact with infected birds.
H5N1:
A specific strain of avian influenza that has become highly pathogenic. It was first identified in the
1900s. Since then, it has reappeared in various parts of the world, including Asia, Europe and Africa.
It is very lethal to birds, and has occasionally crossed over to humans who have had close contact with
infected birds.
H5N1-HP Asia/Euro strain:
The strain of highly pathogenic H5N1 that has spread out of Asia and into Europe is changing and taking on
characteristics. Research suggests that the current strain of H5N1-HP virus is becoming more capable of
causing disease in animals than the earlier H5N1-HP viruses.
Immunity:
A natural or acquired resistance to a specific disease.
Low Pathogenic(LP) Avian Influenza:
Most avian influenza viruses are classified as low pathogenic forms of the virus, meaning they cause
little or no symptoms in infected birds. Low pathogen influenza viruses pose no serious health risk to humans.
Mutate:
Any alteration or change. In a virus, this change may result in a virus that is disease-causing or one that
has little or no effect. Specific mutations in influenza viruses cannot be predicted, making it difficult
if not impossible to know if or when a virus such as H5N1 might acquire the properties needed to spread easily
among humans.
Outbreak:
The occurrence of more cases of a disease than would normally be expected in a specific place or among a
group, over a given period of time.
Pandemic and Influenza Pandemic:
A pandemic is the worldwide outbreak of any disease in numbers clearly in excess of normal. An influenze
pandemic can start when three conditions have been met: a new influenza virus strain emerges; it infects
humans, causing serious illness; and it spreads easily among humans. Because there is little natural
immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. Currently, there is no pandemic influenza.
Pathogenic:
Causing disease or the ability to cause disease.
Seasonal or Common Flu:
This is a human respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity,
and a vaccine is available.
Virus:
A virus is a simple, submicroscopic particle that invades other living cells and can often cause disease.
Because it can only replicate inside another cell, it is considered a parasite and is not typically regarded
as a living organism.
