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This article covers usage of the words used to describe flu in birds. For the current concern about the transmission of avian flu to humans, see H5N1 and Transmission and infection of H5N1.

We have so much information on "Avian flu" that we have dozens of articles on it. It can't all fit into one article. So the data is distributed across several articles. Click on a link to go to one of those many articles.

Avian flu is any flu caused by a virus adapted to birds.

It is also called bird flu, avian influenza and bird influenza.

The only known such viruses are Influenza A viruses. All subtypes (but not all strains of all subtypes) of this species are adapted to birds, so for many purposes avian flu virus is Influenza A virus (the "A" does not stand for "avian").

However most people use "avian flu" to mean H5N1 which is the subtype of the species Influenza A virus that is the world's major flu pandemic threat.

Terms used to describe Avian flu

"Avian flu", "bird flu", "avian influenza", and "bird influenza" all technically mean "flu from Influenza A viruses which is adapted to birds", but are commonly used to refer to these different things:

flu:
- flu from Influenza A viruses which is adapted to birds
- the flu acquired from any Influenza A viruses
- the H5N1 flu (flu acquired from H5N1)
virus:
- Influenza A viruses which are adapted to birds
- the Influenza A viruses
- the H5N1 subtype of the Influenza A virus.

Detailed explanation of terms

"Flu" is short for "influenza". "Bird" or "avian" used as an adjective in front of either "flu or "influenza" mean exactly the same thing.

This means there are four ways of saying the same thing.

All four mean (1)a disease called a flu (2)from an infection from a virus adapted to birds (which includes no viruses other than Influenza A viruses, which includes all subtypes of Influenza A viruses, but does not include all strains of Influenza A viruses).

These four terms do not mean just any Influenza A virus flu as some Influenza A viruses have adapted to animals other than birds.

Illustrative examples of correct usage

In technical contexts, correct usage of terms is necessary because precise distinctions are the essence of the communication.

"Avian influenza strains are those well adapted to birds" ^[1]
"An outbreak of influenza A (H5N1), also know as 'avian flu' or 'bird flu,' has been reported in several countries throughout Asia." Being known as is distinguished from actually being.^[2]
"Avian influenza virus usually refers to influenza A viruses found chiefly in birds, but infections can occur in humans."^[3]
"Of the few avian influenza viruses that have crossed the species barrier to infect humans, H5N1 has caused the largest number of cases of severe disease and death in humans. Unlike normal seasonal influenza, where infection causes only mild respiratory symptoms in most people, the disease caused by H5N1 follows an unusually aggressive clinical course, with rapid deterioration and high fatality." Seasonal influenza is human flu.^[4]
"avian influenza HA bind alpha 2-3 sialic acid receptors while human influenza HA bind alpha 2-6 sialic acid receptors. Swine influenza viruses have the ability to bind both types of sialic acid receptors." ^[5]
Sometimes a virus contains both avian adapted genes and human adapted genes. Both the H2N2 and H3N2 pandemic strains contained avian flu virus RNA segments. "While the pandemic human influenza viruses of 1957 (H2N2) and 1968 (H3N2) clearly arose through reassortment between human and avian viruses, the influenza virus causing the 'Spanish flu' in 1918 appears to be entirely derived from an avian source (Belshe 2005)." ^[6]

Illustrative examples of imprecise usage

In nontechnical contexts, imprecise usage of terms is typical when discussing complex things.

"According to the World Health Organization, avian flu, specifically the H5N1 strain, has been reported in birds, both wild and tame, in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa since 2003." Here H5N1 is called a strain of "avian flu"; not distinguishing between a disease and a causitive agent of a disease.^[7]
"A 1,000 square mile quarantine zone to combat an outbreak of bird flu was lifted in Scotland today - despite the spread of a similar disease south of the border." Here "bird flu" is used to mean "Asian lineage HPAI A(H5N1) flu" (which is a bird flu) and contrasted with flu from an avian adapted strain of H7N3 (which is also a bird flu). (Click the links for details.) ^[8]

Sources

^ EUROPEAN CENTRE FOR DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL
^ OSHA
^ CDC Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
^ WHO Avian influenza frequently asked questions
^ Greninger Paper (PDF)
^ Chapter Two : Avian Influenza by Timm C. Harder and Ortrud Werner from excellent free on-line Book called Influenza Report 2006 which is a medical textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of epidemic and pandemic influenza.
^ News report in lifestyle section
^ News Avian flu quarantine zone lifted published May 1, 2006.

[1] EUROPEAN CENTRE FOR DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL

[2] OSHA

[3] CDC Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

[4] WHO Avian influenza frequently asked questions

[5] Greninger Paper (PDF)

[6] Chapter Two : Avian Influenza by Timm C. Harder and Ortrud Werner from excellent free on-line Book called Influenza Report 2006 which is a medical textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of epidemic and pandemic influenza.

[7] News report in lifestyle section

[8] News Avian flu quarantine zone lifted published May 1, 2006.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Flu}}{{H5N1}}
-{{Two other uses|'''influenza in birds in general''' as well as '''the usage of the terminology'''|the current concern about the transmission of avian flu to humans|Transmission and infection of H5N1|the H5N1 substrain generating the concern|H5N1}}
-{{Flu}}
-'''Avian flu''' is any [[influenza|flu]] caused by a virus adapted to [[birds]].  It is also called '''bird flu''', '''avian influenza''' and '''bird influenza'''.
+''This article covers'' '''usage of the words''' ''used to describe flu in birds. For the current concern about the transmission of avian flu to humans, see [[H5N1]] and [[Transmission_and_infection_of_H5N1|Transmission and infection of H5N1]].''
-The only known such viruses are [[Influenzavirus A]]. All subtypes (but not all strains of all subtypes) of this species are adapted to birds, so for many purposes avian flu virus ''is'' the Influenza A virus (the "A" does not stand for "avian").
+<div style="border: solid 1px blue; width:95%; margin: auto; background-color:#ee11ff;">
-As of 2006, "avian flu" is being commonly used to refer to the [[H5N1]] subtype of Influenza A virus, the world's major [[flu pandemic]] threat.
+'''We have so much information on "Avian flu" that we have dozens of articles on it. It can't all fit into one article. So the data is distributed across several articles. Click on a link to go to one of those many articles.'''
+</div>
+'''Avian flu''' is any [[influenza|flu]] caused by a virus adapted to [[birds]].
+It is also called '''bird flu''', '''avian influenza''' and '''bird influenza'''.
+The only known such viruses are [[Influenza A virus]]es. All subtypes (but not all strains of all subtypes) of this species are adapted to birds, so for many purposes avian flu virus ''is'' [[Influenza A virus]] (the "A" does not stand for "avian").
+However most people use "avian flu" to mean [[H5N1]] which is the subtype of the species [[Influenza A virus]] that is the world's major [[flu pandemic]] threat.
 ==Terms used to describe Avian flu==
-"Avian flu", "bird flu", "avian influenza", and "bird influenza" all technically mean "flu from Influenza A viruses which is adapted to birds", but are commonly used to refer to these different things as well:
+"Avian flu", "bird flu", "avian influenza", and "bird influenza" all technically mean "flu from [[Influenzavirus A|Influenza A viruses]] which is adapted to birds", but are commonly used to refer to these different things:
 *flu:
-**flu from Influenza A viruses which are adapted to birds
+**flu from [[Influenzavirus A|Influenza A viruses]] which is adapted to birds
-**the flu acquired from ''any'' Influenza A viruses
+**the flu acquired from ''any'' [[Influenzavirus A|Influenza A viruses]]
 **the [[H5N1 flu]] (flu acquired from [[H5N1]])
 *virus:
@@ Line 19: / Line 27: @@
 ==Detailed explanation of terms==
-"Flu" is short for "[[influenza]]". "Bird" or "avian" used as an adjective in front of either "flu or "influenza" mean exactly the same thing, resulting in four combinations with identical meaning.
+"Flu" is short for "[[influenza]]". "Bird" or "avian" used as an adjective in front of either "flu or "[[influenza]]" mean exactly the same thing.
+This means there are four ways of saying the same thing.
-All four mean (1)a disease called a flu (2)from an infection from a virus adapted to birds.  All such viruses are Influenza A viruses, and all subtypes of Influenza A viruses contain such viruses adapted to birds, but not all '''strains''' of Influenza A viruses are so adapted. {{citation needed}}
-These four terms do not apply to just any Influenza A virus flu, as some Influenza A viruses have adapted to animals other than birds.
+All four mean (1)a disease called a flu (2)from an infection from a virus adapted to birds (which includes '''no''' viruses other than Influenza A viruses, which includes '''all''' subtypes of Influenza A viruses, but does not include all '''strains''' of Influenza A viruses).
+These four terms do not mean just any Influenza A virus flu as some Influenza A viruses have adapted to animals other than birds.
 ==Illustrative examples of correct usage==
@@ Line 29: / Line 39: @@
 *"Avian influenza strains are those well adapted to birds" <ref> [http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:72mkmIQKbIQJ:www.ecdc.eu.int/documents/AF050930/AF3_13_Actions_taked_in_connection_with_Avian_Flu.doc+%22Avian+influenza%22+%22adapted+to+birds%22&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=3 EUROPEAN CENTRE FOR DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL]</ref>
-*"An outbreak of influenza A ([[H5N1]]), also known as 'avian flu' or 'bird flu,' has been reported in several countries throughout Asia." Being known as is distinguished from actually being.<ref> [http://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/avian-flu.html OSHA]</ref>
+*"An outbreak of influenza A ([[H5N1]]), also know as 'avian flu' or 'bird flu,' has been reported in several countries throughout Asia." Being known as is distinguished from actually being.<ref> [http://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/avian-flu.html OSHA]</ref>
 *"Avian influenza virus usually refers to influenza A viruses found chiefly in birds, but infections can occur in humans."<ref> [http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/ CDC] Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)</ref>
 *"Of the few avian influenza viruses that have crossed the species barrier to infect humans, [[H5N1]] has caused the largest number of cases of severe disease and death in humans. Unlike normal seasonal influenza, where infection causes only mild respiratory symptoms in most people, the disease caused by H5N1 follows an unusually aggressive clinical course, with rapid deterioration and high fatality." Seasonal influenza is [[human flu]].<ref> [http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/avian_faqs/en/index.html WHO] Avian influenza frequently asked questions</ref>
@@ Line 38: / Line 48: @@
 In nontechnical contexts, imprecise usage of terms is typical when discussing complex things.
-*"According to the World Health Organization, avian flu, specifically the [[H5N1]] strain, has been reported in birds, both wild and tame, in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa since 2003." Here [[H5N1]] is called a strain of "avian flu"; not distinguishing between a disease and a causative agent of a disease.<ref> [http://news.inq7.net/lifestyle/index.php?index=2&story_id=74075&col=130 News report in lifestyle section]</ref>
+*"According to the World Health Organization, avian flu, specifically the [[H5N1]] strain, has been reported in birds, both wild and tame, in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa since 2003." Here [[H5N1]] is called a strain of "avian flu"; not distinguishing between a disease and a causitive agent of a disease.<ref> [http://news.inq7.net/lifestyle/index.php?index=2&story_id=74075&col=130 News report in lifestyle section]</ref>
-*"A 1,000 square mile quarantine zone to combat an outbreak of bird flu was lifted in Scotland today - despite the spread of a similar disease south of the border." Here "bird flu" is used to mean "Asian lineage HPAI A([[H5N1]]) flu" (which is a bird flu) and contrasted with flu from an avian adapted strain of [[H7N3]] (which is also a bird flu). (Click the links for details.) <ref> [http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=7&newsID=5276 News] ''Avian flu quarantine zone lifted'' published May 1, 2006.</ref><ref>[http://birdfluprotection.com/current_news/index.php Bird Flu News]</ref>
+*"A 1,000 square mile quarantine zone to combat an outbreak of bird flu was lifted in Scotland today - despite the spread of a similar disease south of the border." Here "bird flu" is used to mean "Asian lineage HPAI A([[H5N1]]) flu" (which is a bird flu) and contrasted with flu from an avian adapted strain of [[H7N3]] (which is also a bird flu). (Click the links for details.) <ref> [http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=7&newsID=5276 News] ''Avian flu quarantine zone lifted'' published May 1, 2006.</ref>
 ==See also==
+;This section contains articles with avian flu information
+* Amantadine
+* Antigenic drift
+* Antigenic shift
+* Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research
+* Flu research
+* Flu season
+* Flu treatment
+* Flu vaccine
+* Global spread of H5N1
+* H10N7
+* H1N1
+* H1N2
+* H2N2
+* H3N2
+* H3N8
+* H5N1
+* H5N1 genetic structure
+* H5N2
+* H5N3
+* H5N8
+* H5N9
+* H7N1
+* H7N2
+* H7N3
+* H7N4
+* H7N7
+* H9N2
+* Hemagglutinin
+* ICEID
+* Influenza
+* Influenza Genome Sequencing Project
+* Influenza pandemic
+* Influenzavirus A
+* International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza
+* National Influenza Centers
+* Neuraminidase
+* Oseltamivir
+* Pandemic Preparedness and Response Act
+* Peramivir
+* Rimantadine
+* Sialic acid
+* Spanish flu
+* Transmission and infection of H5N1
+* Zanamivir
+;viruses mutated ''from'' avian flu viruses
 *[[Dog flu]]
 *[[Horse flu]]