Avian (bird) influenza (flu) is a contagious disease caused by viruses that normally infect
only birds. Tuy nhiên, cúm virus gia cầm cũng có thể lây sang người gây ra bệnh tật và
thỉnh thoảng là cái chết. H5N1 là một dạng đặc biệt của virus cúm gia cầm đã lan đến
nhiều quốc gia.
The first human cases of H5N1 were identified in Vietnam and in Thailand in early 2004.
In 2005, human cases were also found in Cambodia, Indonesia and China. In January 2006,
the first human cases and deaths were reported in Turkey and Iraq.
Many millions of poultry have been destroyed and the outbreaks caused great disruption
and economic losses, particularly in countries in South East Asia that have been hit hardest
by the virus.
In Viet Nam, the first poultry outbreak of Avian Influenza reported since December 2005
occurred on 6 December 2006. A detailed daily update on poultry outbreaks and affected
provinces is posted on the FAO website.
Avian influenza is now widespread in many countries and it is unlikely that the virus will
be eradicated within the next few years. While avian influenza H5N1 persists in the poultry
population, the risk to humans will remain.