Please Check for Bird Flu Updates on the Links Page.
Avian (Bird) Flu is an infection caused by viruses that occur in  wild birds and domestic birds. These viruses usually do not infect humans, but since 1997, there have been  cases of mammals, including  humans, being infected. Most of the humans who have died from Avian Flu had a history of directly slaughtering or working with infected birds. 
     The type of Avian Flu being carefully watched now is Influenza A (H5N1).  The fear is that this avian virus could mutate (probably by combining, in an infected mammal, with a human flu) and acquire the ability to be spread from human to human.  This could trigger a worldwide epidemic, or pandemic.  While the scare of last year has subsided somewhat, there have still been many infections.  And  the consensus of scientists is that sooner or later a very problematic strain will occur

It is clear that you will not be able to count on the government to protect you in case of an Avian Flu Pandemic.  Antiviral will be in short supply and there IS NO VACCINE.  You will need face masks and other personal protection as well as a family plan.  Stocks of face masks are going fast and one mask is not enough.  Masks need to be worn properly and discarded safely after use.  On this site you will learn which masks protect against this small airborne virus and which do not.  The N-95 / N95 mask is the mask recommended by CDC and Health care experts.