- The H5N1 virus strain is one of 16 varieties of bird flu.
- The H5N1 virus is trasmitted through a bird’s saliva, nasal secretions and faeces.
- H5N1 – The H subtypes govern the ability of the virus to bind to and enter cells, where multiplication of the virus then occurs. The N subtypes govern the release of newly formed virus from the cells.
- Influenza A viruses have 16 H subtypes and 9 N subtypes.
- The H5N1 virus has spread from Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, China, Turkey, India, Canada, Russia and Europe.
- Flu viruses often mutate, changing their characteristics rapidly.
Chapter: Bird Flu :: 4 June 2007
