lintuinfluenssan

Lintuinfluenssa, also known as avian influenza, is a viral disease that primarily affects birds. It is caused by influenza A viruses, which are common in wild waterfowl and can spread to domestic poultry such as chickens, turkeys, and ducks. While the disease is generally mild in wild birds, it can be highly pathogenic and cause severe illness and rapid death in domestic poultry, leading to significant economic losses for the poultry industry.

There are many different strains of avian influenza viruses, categorized by subtypes based on two surface proteins: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). Some strains, like H5N1 and H7N9, have caused significant outbreaks in poultry and, in rare cases, have been transmitted to humans. Human infections are typically associated with close contact with infected birds or their droppings, or with contaminated environments. Symptoms in humans can range from mild flu-like illness to severe respiratory disease, pneumonia, and even death.

Preventing the spread of lintuinfluenssa involves biosecurity measures on farms, such as limiting contact between wild birds and domestic poultry, and good hygiene practices. Surveillance programs are in place globally to monitor for outbreaks in wild bird populations and poultry. Vaccination of poultry is sometimes used in specific circumstances to control outbreaks. Public health measures focus on minimizing human exposure to infected birds and implementing rapid response protocols in the event of human cases.