ATLANTA, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it will post on the Internet genetic data on bird flu and other strains.
The data, which are available on the National Institute of Health's Genbank, contains genetic sequences for over 650 genes of influenza viruses. Previously, this data was available only to a small number of flu researchers.
"With more information, the world's influenza experts can advance our understanding of the viruses circulating, potentially create new prevention strategies and treatments, and ultimately help us better protect the health of people around the world." said Nancy Cox, director of the CDC's Influenza Division.
The genetic data, which have typically been used to determine which flu strains should be included in annual vaccines, also can help researchers determine a virus's origin or whether it is susceptible to antiviral drugs.
The information will also be helpful in determining whether the H5N1 strain of bird flu is mutating in a way that makes it more easily transmissible between people.
