Avian influenza: current scenario.

Avian influenza commonly called as 'Bird flu' is a matter of great concern which has caused three major pandemics in twentieth century killing millions of people. Recent epidemic with H5N1 type strain started in 1997 and is still continuing. Disease has assumed new proportions since its confirmed association with migratory birds. In India also, three separate outbreaks have been announced till now by Government of India. This virus has tremendous capacity for gene reassortment and humans by enlarge do not have any immunity against them. This fact has raised global fears of an imminent influenza pandemic. The neuraminidase inhibitors currently are the only drugs which can be used, in case pandemic occurs. Therefore, timely development of an effective influenza vaccine is must and should be made a public health priority.