Which term describes strains of influenza virus that normally infect birds, including poultry, but can sometimes pass to humans?

Which term describes strains of influenza virus that normally infect birds, including poultry, but can sometimes pass to humans?

• A. Globalization
• B. Avian influenza
• C. Epidemics
• D. Chronic illnesses

Answer: (B)

Strains that normally infect birds but can sometimes pass to humans are described as avian influenza. Avian influenza refers to influenza A viruses that circulate primarily in birds and poultry; human infections can occur when people have close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. This is a zoonotic situation, where a virus jumps from animals to humans, which is why avian influenza is the appropriate term. Globalization describes how travel and trade spread diseases, epidemics refer to widespread outbreaks in a population, and chronic illnesses are long-lasting conditions—none of these describe the bird-adapted influenza viruses that occasionally cross into humans.

Strains that normally infect birds but can sometimes pass to humans are described as avian influenza. Avian influenza refers to influenza A viruses that circulate primarily in birds and poultry; human infections can occur when people have close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. This is a zoonotic situation, where a virus jumps from animals to humans, which is why avian influenza is the appropriate term. Globalization describes how travel and trade spread diseases, epidemics refer to widespread outbreaks in a population, and chronic illnesses are long-lasting conditions—none of these describe the bird-adapted influenza viruses that occasionally cross into humans.