The purpose of this report is to describe the threatening world pandemic caused by avian influenza, also known as bird flu.

This report discusses the origins of the disease, the bird-to-human infection risks, the catastrophic health crisis avian flu poses, and the efforts by world governments and international health organizations to mitigate of the impact the threat to humans.

The U.S., Asia and Europe are the focus of this study. Primary attention is paid to the clinical market segment and, separately, to the medical procedures and supplies for the influenza infection control market.

An analysis of the technology trends and developing areas of influenza infection science is provided, along with a review of the market for pharmaceutical agents, vaccines and hospital supplies in clinical use. Activity in research - including the factors that influence infection control - are addressed in this review. Also discussed are changes that have stimulated this disease and patterns of information processing in assessing its spread.

Several subjects related to the major elements of influenza treatment such as disposable plastic supplies, needles and lancets are discussed only briefly because they are considered entirely different fields or markets.

The goal of this report is to review the potential threat of a human influenza pandemic resulting from the avian flu virus. It defines the responses that are now being undertaken worldwide by governmental authorities to contain the spreading bird flu.