General Impact
The effects of AI are felt worldwide. The virus has had a significant impact on the economy, trade industry, chicken and animal health, and human health ( APHIS, 2004). For instance, in 1983 and 1984 the the United States government destroyed more than 17 million birds at a cost of 65 million dollars due to an outbreak of AI (APHIS, 2004). In 1997, 6 out of 18 people in Hong Kong infected with H5N1 (a subtype, see Avian Influenza Virus for more details on different types) died (CDC, 2004).
Location Specific Impacts:Hong Kong 
Disease transmission: This was the first time the virus was known to be directly transmitted from birds to humans.
Pathogenic: Avian influenza viruses are not usually transmitted directly to humans from infected birds. Hong Kong
Disease transmission: Person to person transmission has not been ruled out.
Pathogenic: Because outbreaks of avian influenza are not common in humans, when they do occur, they are closely monitored. Hong Kong
Disease transmission: No additional cases were reported.
Pathogenic: The origin of the virus and source of infection were not determined. Netherlands
Disease transmission: The source of infection was thought to be from chickens. However, authorities reported a possible human-to-human transmission between three family members.
Pathogenic: Outbreaks of H7N7 in the Netherlands have been reported since February of 2003. Thailand
Economic/Livelihoods: "Thailand, the world's 4th largest poultry exporter, suffered a USD 880
million loss in the first wave of bird flu crisis, when major buyers such as
Japan and EU stopped imports from Thailand (ISID, 2004).
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