Bird Flu

A BBC story today describes the recent discovery in Africa of the first case of bird flu in poultry. Though it has not been proven, some scientists are hypothesizing that migratory birds may be vectors in spreading the disease.
Nearly all the birds affected have been domestic fowl--chickens and geese. Through early February, nearly 150 human cases have been diagnosed, and more than 70 humans (primarily in East Asia) have died from the human strain of bird flu, known as H5N1. Nearly all of these deaths involved people who were in close proximity to poultry.

Here is an excellent compilation of articles and information about bird flu on the BBC web site, including an informative Q&A section.

On the World Health Organization web site you can see the worldwide compilation of all bird flu cases.