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Although the ongoing outbreaks of avian influenza, also called bird flu, largely affect animals, the virus may pose risks to humans as well, stated a joint release from FAO, WHO and WOAH. Given the increasing number of H5N1 avian influenza detections among mammals, the tripartite partners have raised concern about the potential risk to human health. FAO is Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; WHO is World Health Organization; WOAH is World Organisation for Animal Health. The organizations have urged countries to work together to save as many animals as possible and to protect people. Avian Influenza outbreaks among mammals increasing Typically, avian influenza viruses spread among birds, but there have been increasing reports of deadly outbreaks among mammals, caused by H5N1 avian influenza viruses, including influenza A(H5N1). Because mammals are biologically closer to humans, experts at FAO, WHO and WOAH fear that the virus might adapt to infect humans more ea...