Q & A: Avian Flu  What is the avian flu?  It is a flu virus that
originated in Asian birds at some unknown point. All flu viruses
have two major components, an H component and an N component.
This virus is H5N1. It lives harmlessly in ducks but is highly
lethal in some other birds, including chickens.  Since 1997,
over 120 million birds have died of the flu or been destroyed in
an effort to stop the spread.  H5N1 is also highly lethal in
humans, who can contract it by handling infected birds.  When
did the avian flu spread to humans?  In 1997, 18 humans were
infected with H5N1 flu. Six patients died. The virus subsided
but did not go away. In 2003-2004, new outbreaks in both birds
and humans occurred. By the end of 2004, Asia had reported 44
cases, 32 of which were fatal.  According to the World Health
Organization, in 2006 so far, there have been 74 cases and 48
deaths. The grand total since 2003 is 218 cases with 124 deaths.
Has it been found in other animals besides birds?  Yes, it has
been found in tiger