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Avian Flu
Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird)
influenza (flu) viruses. These influenza viruses occur naturally
among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines,
but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian influenza
is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds,
including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.
Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged
from typical human influenza-like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough,
sore throat, and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe
respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory distress), and other
severe and life-threatening complications. The symptoms of avian
influenza may depend on which virus caused the infection.
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