Generalities:

Bird flu or Avian influenza is part of the influenza A virus. Waterfowl such as wild ducks are the main reservoir of this virus, being quite resistant to it, while poultry are more vulnerable. Some strains of the virus can be transmitted to several species of mammals such as pigs, cats or even humans.

In humans it affects the respiratory tract causing symptoms such as fever, cough, dry throat, myalgia. If it gets complicated it can cause pneumonia or even death. The first human outbreak recorded in Hong Kong in 1997 alerted the authorities, sacrificing 1.5 million birds.

Dr. Goiz mentions the Newcastle virus as responsible for the same disease, although with this pathogen neurological symptoms could present.

Transmission:

By being close to infected birds (poultry workers), or by eating contaminated chicken or other specie (fried, uncooked).