How The Avian Flu Is Transmitted. Runstadler says most flu viruses are. Through an intermediate host, such as a pig.

This lineage of bird flu originated around 1996 and was. The virus, which occurs naturally in wild birds, typically spreads through secretions — saliva, nasal discharge, and feces, in particular. The scientists in his lab study the ecology of influenza viruses in wild animal hosts, including birds, which are major reservoirs for influenza.

Spread Of The Avian Flu. The disease is transmitted via contact with an infected bird's feces, or secretions from its nose, mouth or eyes. The global spread of hpai subtype h5n8 has been driven in large part by migratory waterfowl.

Avian influenza normally spreads in birds but can also infect humans. H5n1 bird flu virus in u.s. These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.