The pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population, and begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide. Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans are though to have resulted from direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces. Because of concerns about the potential for more widespread infection in the human population, public health authorities closely monitor outbreaks of human illness associated with avian influenza. However, because influenza viruses have the potential to change and gain the ability to spread easily between people, monitoring for human infection and person-to-person is important. The avian flu virus could have great economic, social and ecological consequences if transmitted to domestic flocks and the person-to-person. The federal, state, local governments and private industries are taking steps to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic. The pandemic is likely to be lessened if preparations are made ahead of time. Planning and preparation information and checklists are being prepared for various levels of society, including information for individuals, families, and communities.