What Hunters Should Know About Pennsylvania Avian Influenza

By Vanessa Torres

Pennsylvania -(Ammoland.com)- Avian influenza (AI), commonly known as “bird flu,” is a respiratory disease of birds caused by an influenza type A virus.

These viruses can infect poultry (chickens, ducks, quail, pheasants, guinea fowl, and turkeys) and some wild bird species (such as ducks, swans, and geese). Yet, they impact poultry and wild birds in different ways. Wild birds can carry the AI viruses but usually do not get sick from them. However, AI in poultry is typically contagious and can make some domesticated birds very sick or even cause death.

There are many different subtypes of influenza A viruses. These subtypes differ and are classified based on a combination of two groups of proteins on the surface of the influenza A virus: hemagglutinin or “H” proteins, of which there are 16 (H1–H16), and neuraminidase or “N” proteins, of which there are 9 (N1–N9). Many different combinations of “H” and “N” proteins are possible. Each combination is considered a different subtype and can also be broken down into different strains. AI viruses are further classified by their pathogenicity – the ability of a particular …read more

Source:: AmmoLand