Avian/bird flu: Epidemiology, clinical features & current management

Epidemics and pandemics of influenza have been documented throughout history, the mechanisms underlying these are still poorly understood. Experts agree that another influenza pandemic is inevitable and possibly imminent. A number of Asian countries have been currently affected by avian/bird flu infecting their poultry stocks. The diagnosis of influenza is usually confirmed by isolation of virus or from serological results. As production of potential and effective antiviral agent for human are hazardous and inadequate so prevention of adaptive mutation or reassortment is the key to control the situation which could be achieved by depopulation of commercial poultry and improved hygiene. Prevention of the spread of bird flu is multifaceted, focusing on the health of both birds and humans including broad surveillance, cluster investigation, contact tracing, target use of antivirals, continued vaccine and travel restriction.