Travel health advice: avian influenza general

Avian influenza

What is avian influenza?

Avian influenza, or "bird flu", is a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that normally infect only birds and less commonly, pigs. While all bird species are thought to be susceptible to infection, domestic poultry flocks are especially vulnerable to infections that can rapidly cause epidemics in poultry.

Of particular concern, in terms of risks for human health, is the detection of a highly pathogenic strain, known as "H5N1", as the cause of most of these outbreaks. H5N1 has jumped the species barrier, causing severe disease in humans.

How are humans infected?

Humans can be infected but this occurs rarely. Humans are usually infected through close contact with live infected birds. Birds shed influenza virus in their droppings so contact with droppings (for example by visiting enclosures or markets where birds have been recently kept) is also a possible transmission route.

The illness in humans

• The time from exposure to the source of infection to onset of influenza is likely to be between 3 and 5 days, with a maximum of 7 days.

• The severity of illness appears to vary. Underlying factors are not well understood.

• Early symptoms are likely to be similar to normal influenza such as fever and cough

• If you develop a respiratory illness severe enough to warrant treatment and have visited an infected country, and have had contact with live poultry or pigs or places that house them in these countries in the 7 days prior to onset of illness, you should contact your General Practitioner.

• Currently available vaccines will not protect against disease caused by the H5N1strain in humans. The World Health Organisation is working together with laboratories to develop a prototype H5N1 virus for use by leading vaccine manufacturers.

Sources of further information

Pandemic Flu - Important information for you and your family

Questions & Answers regarding avian influenza

Questions & Answers regarding the pandemic plan itself

Countries affected by avian influenza 

Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Travel Advisory

The above advice is appropriate for the majority of travellers. If you are at all unsure as to what measures are suitable for you, (eg if you are pregnant, or are suffering from a condition requiring special medication), it is recommended that you talk to your health advisor. This page is produced by the Scottish Centre for infection and Environmental Health.