Avian influenza, also known as "bird flu" is an infectious disease affecting mostly migratory birds and poultry.

 

There are currently cases of bird flu in many countries around the world. Although there is no pandemic (worldwide epidemic) of flu, some scientists believe the current strain of H5N1 bird flu could spark a pandemic if human-to-human spread becomes common.

There is a worldwide effort underway to prepare for the spread of avian influenza and any possible pandemic.