the widespread dissemination in wild birds is probably step one in an ensuing H-to-H pandemic. We are probably lucky that it was discovered early in China (1997?) and that there were human deaths associated with the fowl outbreaks. There have been other serotype avian influenza outbreaks, even in the US. which have resulted in human illness. But this one has been relatively well-followed, given that the outbreak in birds was in Asia.

For all of you bird-lovers, remember what West Nile did here the first few years (it seems to have attenuated (=weakened) since it landed at NY Kennedy. Our birds are also naive to H5N1, so we will get a big kill in some bird populations when this flu gets into the North American migratory birds. And it will, if not this year then within two years.

There is not much that any of us humans can do, other than to practice being very careful dealing with dead birds: gloves, maybe a mask, and either double bag-em to the trash or the health department or burn them right away.

For the bird-lovers (or haters) this virus is spread through feces. That is why the concern to keep cultivated fowl under cover. Look at you car and wonder what might be deposited there....