At present, H5N1 is a disease that primarily affects birds and is not readily transmitted to humans. 

Most cases of H5N1 influenza infection in humans have resulted from direct and prolonged contact with infected domesticated poultry or poultry droppings. 

So far, the spread of H5N1 virus from person to person has been limited and has not continued beyond one person.

Because all influenza viruses have the ability to change or mutate, scientists are concerned that H5N1 virus could one day be able to infect humans and spread easily from one person to another.

Vaccines to protect humans against H5N1 viruses are currently under development and researchers are working to find ways to produce large quantities of vaccine.

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