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.