Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a disease that primarily affects birds. It is caused by a virus related to those that cause seasonal flu. A subtype of the bird flu virus known as H5N1 can infect mammals, including humans.
The UF Emerging Pathogens Institute has assembled a multidisciplinary working group to research a swiftly spreading bird flu strain and help prepare Florida’s response to potential outbreaks.
Recent outbreaks of H5N1 in U.S. dairy cattle have led to close monitoring of the virus. UF EPI expert Benjamin Anderson, Ph.D., explains the basics of bird flu and why H5N1 is a concern.
UF microbiologist and virus expert John Lednicky, Ph.D., shares his perspective on the current avian influenza, or bird flu, outbreak in the U.S.
