| Description |
Avian influenza (AI) viruses infect domestic poultry as well as pet, zoo, and wild birds. In domestic poultry, AI viruses are typically of low pathogenicity (LPAI), causing subclinical infections, respiratory disease, or drops in egg production. However, a few AI viruses cause severe systemic infections with high mortality. LPAI typically cause little or no clinical signs. (For Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza HPAI please see corresponding page). AI viruses (both LPAI and HPAI) can occasionally affect humans, but usually after close contact with infected birds has occurred. |