NJAC 2:9 Avian Influenza Questions and Answers

This document answers some basic questions about the Bird Flu, or the Avian Influenza (AI), a Type A Influenza virus. There are 15 subtypes (classified "H" or "N") of influenza virus known to infect birds. The following questions are addressed: What is Avian Influenza? How is it transmitted? Why is AI considered a serious disease? The Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Program; Who has to register? Why do I have to register? What will it cost for me to register? How do I register? What is biosecurity? ; The Type A Influenza subtypes are classified as ?H? or ?N?. Type A Influenza viruses can affect humans (H1N1, H1N2, H2N2), horses (H3N8, H7N7), pigs and many bird species. There are two forms of the type A Influenza viruses that affect birds, Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) and High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). ; Purpose: To inform the public about the Avian Influenza.