A flu that could infect and possibly kill one-third of the United States population is seen as an incomprehensible tragedy in the medically advanced society we live in today.

However, there currently exists a disease that has the potential to do such things and is starting to gradually affect the global population. This dangerous disease is called avian influenza, more commonly known as the 'bird flu.'

Avian influenza is a form of Influenza 'A' that can only naturally occur in birds. It is the result of a deadly H5N1 viral strain that can be fatal in certain birds, and currently humans can only catch the virus by handling or eating poultry infected with H5N1.

Since the discovery of the disease, over 150 million birds have been killed in attempts to contain and destroy the lethal viral strain.

Avian influenza has been the cause of over sixty deaths since 1997 with a majority of these deaths occurring in Asian countries such as Thailand and Cambodia.

There have been no known cases of avian influenza in the United States, and its existence has been recognized for quite some time.

'We have been doing research on the bird flu forever, there has just recently been an increased consciousness on the issue,' said Michele Thornton, a social work professor at UD.

What are the reasons for this increased consciousness and is this really such an imminent threat to the United States?

The increased focus on bird flu is necessary because evidence proves it is a disease of such nature that cannot be overlooked. The past history of potential flu outbreaks reveals the government's preparations and media's focus on the issue is essential.

In past instances, influenza outbreaks have grown into three catastrophic pandemics, occurring in 1918, 1957 and 1968. The largest, in 1918, killed more than 50 million people worldwide.

These universal outbreaks strike when the virus mutates into a strain that can be passed easily among humans. Since these viruses do not commonly infect humans, there is little or no immune protection against them in the human body.

A health care law expert at UD, Vernellia Randall, was recently appointed vice chair of the Health Rights and Bioethics Committee for The American Bar Association of Individual Rights and Responsibilities.

Randall believes the disease is very problematic for, 'the stage of illness that is the most contagious is the one that resembles a common cold.'

Therefore, while the symptoms appear to be mild and common, inevitably the body has no defense system to prevent the disease from being fatal. There is no way to be absolutely positive that the H5N1 will not mutate and have the same consequences as past pandemics, thus the preventative measures being taken are worthwhile.

The alarming effect the disease could have on the country, convinced President Bush to devise a medical and public health plan. On Tuesday, Nov. 1, he proposed a $7.1 billion effort to prevent the flu from taking any American lives.

The money is to support research and prepare the country for an outbreak, suggesting travel limitations and quarantine acts if necessary.

While there is no proven vaccine available for humans, Bush's plan calls for a mass purchase of drugs known to reduce the severity of the illness.

A meeting of world leaders is taking place this week at the headquarters of the World Heath Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

A consensus will be reached on how to control the disease in animals and strengthen disease surveillance systems everywhere. This is the first time the world has been able to prepare itself for an influenza pandemic.

It remains to be seen if federal and international efforts will be enough to combat the outbreak of such a treacherous disease.

Information for this article was obtained from the Dayton Daily News, CNN.com, MSNBC.com, CNET News.com, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.