Avian influenza is an extremely contagious disease with a high incidence and mortality rate in both farmed and wild birds, while other species and humans rarely become ill. There are highly pathogenic and low pathogenic subtypes. Symptoms of the disease depend on the virus subtype and its pathogenicity, and the host type and its immunity. They may manifest as mild respiratory illness, depression, or systemic illness with a high mortality rate. During epidemics, low pathogenic viruses can become highly pathogenic, leading to uncontrolled spread of disease. Waterfowl, which only excrete the virus and rarely become ill themselves are the most common source of infection for domestic poultry. In a flock, the disease can be spread either by direct contact or indirectly through equipment or breeders. In Slovenia, the first infection was detected in wild birds in 2006. The disease has not yet spread to farmed poultry. As the virus changes rapidly and can adapt, there is a possibility of a human pandemic. Preventive measures have been prescribed to prevent the spread of the disease. Should the disease appear in a flock, the strictest measures will be taken to eradicate it.
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