Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, poses a threat to birds and other species of mammals including humans.

"Bird Flu is caused by a type of influenza virus that is hosted by birds, but may infect several species of mammals. It was first identified in Italy in the early 1900s and is now known to exist worldwide.

Strains of avian influenza virus may infect various types of animals, including birds, pigs, horses, seals, whales and humans. However, wild fowl act as natural asymptomatic carriers, spreading it to more susceptible domestic stock.

If such an outbreak occurred, the demand for chicken would decrease until the virus was no longer a threat to society. Poultry market would have the potential to decline significantly. Decreasing supplies and demand for poultry products would decrease revenue for any business unit related to the production and sale of chicken."

Source:http://www.thepoultrysite.com/bird-flu/bird-flu-news.php - (edit / improve)