Introduction 1
Background on Influenza A and Avian Influenza 5
    Classification of Avian Influenza 6
    Transmission and Spillover of Avian Influenza Among Wildlife 7
    Avian Influenza Mutation and Reassortment 10
The Rise of H5N1 Avian Influenza 11
    H5N1 Avian Influenza in the United States 12
Recent Selected Federal Actions to Address H5N1 18
Considerations for Congress 21
    Biosurveillance for H5N1 21
    Federal Agency Coordination 23
        New Authorities for Federal Agencies 24
        Executive Office for Avian Influenza 24
        Federal Task Force 25
    International Collaboration to Address Avian Influenza 25
    Research and Data Collection 27
    Spillover to Humans and Transmission Among Humans 29
    Eliminating or Suppressing Avian Influenza 30