Avian Flu

1) What is a virus? Any of various simple submicroscopic parasites of plants, animals, and bacteria that often cause disease and that consist essentially of a core of RNA or DNA surrounded by a protein coat. Unable to replicate without a host cell, viruses are typically not considered living organisms. 2) Name of virus to be studied- Avian flu virus 3) Background research Avian influenza is caused by type A influenza virus. The symptoms can vary from a …

…tract and shedding it in their feces. Avian influenza viruses are spread to susceptible birds through inhalation of influenza particles in nasal and respiratory secretions and from contact with the feces of infected birds. 4) Symptoms- Signs including coughing, sneezing ruffled feathers, swollen heads, and nervous signs like depression and diarrhea may occur together or singly. In some cases, birds die rapidly without clinical signs of disease. 5) Treatment There are two anti-viral drugs, Amantadine and Rimantadine.