The H5N1 influenza virus has been endangering the health and lives of both birds and human beings since 1997, which has made hundreds of millions of poultry and birds culled. The number of the human infected cases is also increasing. Until September 15th, 2005 the World Health Organization had confirmed 114 infected cases and 59 deaths. H5N1 has made avian influenza become a regional disease in Southeast Asia. The constant change and mutation of the viruses may lead to a worldwide outbreak of avian influenza.
Taiwan is not an affected area; however, migratory birds migrate to south every September, and birds died of H5N1 infection were sequentially reported in Qinghai, Xinjiang, Siberia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. Some worry that the virus carriers may spread the viruses when traveling south. Taiwan is a stopover site of migratory birds. If proper precautions are not taken, it is very likely that genes of human influenza viruses will mix with those of avian influenza viruses in the coming influenza season.
Viewing from this, the critical phase of an avian influenza outbreak probably lies between next January and March. Therefore, the government and civilians must cooperate to take precautions for disease control.