Understanding Avian Flu H5N1

Avian flu, specifically the strain H5N1, predominantly affects birds but has significant implications for other animals and humans. It has caused mass die-offs among wild birds and can spread to various species, including mammals like seals and domestic livestock. The virus is primarily transmitted when animals come into close contact, especially through scavengers or contaminated environments. Since its discovery in the mid-1990s, H5N1 has surfaced in different parts of the world, highlighting a persistent threat of potential outbreaks.