Quixplained: What is bird flu, and how does it spread?

Several states are scrambling to contain bird flu, including Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Maharashtra. Bird flu or avian influenza is a viral infection that is reported mostly in birds, but has the potential to affect humans and other animals. The most common strain of the virus that causes severe respiratory disease in birds is H5N1.

So, what is this infection and how does it spread? When did it begin affected humans? What are the symptoms, treatment and precautions for bird flu? Take a look:

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What is bird flu and why is it in the news in India? How does bird flu spread? When bird flu started affected humans Bird flu in India The danger of bird flu Bird flu symptoms, treatment and precautions

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