Avian Flu, or Avian influenza, is a viral infection that is found in birds. It's found throughout the world in both wild and domestic species. Normally, a flu virus is found in one species and only infects that species in particular (humans, birds, pigs, horses, etc.). However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), certain strains of Avian Flu have already resulted in mild symptoms in humans; in the case of the H5N1 strain it is more serious, even fatal.
The majority of Avian Flu cases in humans have been attributed to direct contact with infected birds. The risk of getting Avian Flu in Canada is extremely small however the WHO is closely monitoring the spread and the evolution of the virus in order to avoid an epidemic.
The fact that the H5N1 virus has spread between species is worrisome. More than 100 cases in humans have been reported since 2004. Studies have shown that infected persons had been in contact with sick or dead birds.