The Avian Flu was first identified in Italy 100 years ago. During the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic 40-50 million people died worldwide. But at that time only one strain was identified. Today there are two strains of this flu, H5 & H7 with 15 subtypes. The H5 strain rapidly mutates and gathers genes from viruses infecting other animals. During the 1983-1984 epidemics in the U.S. the virus initially caused a low mortality rate, but within six months the toll had risen to 90%. 17 million birds had to be destroyed at a cost of $65 million dollars.

Despite their strong natural immunity to it, migrating waterfowl, especially wild ducks, are natural carriers of avian influenza. Live bird markets in Asia have helped spread this deadly disease. In the past, it was believed that avian influenza seldom affected humans and normally did not jump species. But in 1997 in Hong Kong, and in 2003 in the Netherlands, two cases of avian influenza infecting humans were documented. Rapid destruction (three days) of Hong Kong's entire poultry population of 1.5 million birds possibly averted a pandemic. This is the first time known that the virus jumped from birds to humans. In 2003 the virus was identified in Korea and has now spread to other Asian countries, but not to Europe.

Based on past history, pandemics can be expected on the average of three to four times each century. The World Health Organization is working with scientists all over the world to identify countries most at risk, trying to find the ways to have significant amounts of antiviral vaccines on hand. Each new strain of influenza, by the time it has mutated, requires a different vaccine with each taking at least four months to develop. Currently, quarantining suspected farms and the culling of all suspect birds is having a definite impact on avian influenza. Scientists and disease specialists worldwide are working around the clock hopefully to find the solution to this problem, before we are once again faced with a deadly pandemic such as the 1918 outbreak. They are well aware that without success in their quest, it is a matter of when - not if - humanity will be facing another deadly pandemic.

Other than the obligatory yam or sweet potato, get creative and use one, two, five or more of these tasty little additions: minced pineapple, sunflower kernels, raisins, papaya, chopped nuts, minced apricot, apple juice or apple sauce, cranberries, cheerios, pine nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, fresh cherries, coconut shreds, cayenne pepper flakes, chopped/grated ginger

1. Organize the tools you will need (bowls, etc) and make sure you thoroughly wash your ingredients with GSE, baking soda & water, etc.
2. Bake the potato (microwave until soft).
3. Remove skin from tater and mash.
4. Gradually add additional ingredients - you won't need or want to use them all simultaneously, so combine just a few items. (One of the favorites here is a small handful of pine nuts, a pretty big spoonful of diced papaya or applesauce, big pinch of sunflower kernels.) While stirring gently, check consistency - batter should be damp and a bit sticky, NEVER runny.
5. Next step - seasoning. After all, a sweet potato treat for a bird should be a bit spicy!! Start with a tsp each of cinnamon and nutmeg; then chop up some ginger and toss it into the mix. The "dough" should be a bit tacky to the touch and easy to roll into 1" to 1-1/2" balls. If too sticky, add a drop or 2 or 3 of unsweetened apple juice.
6. Form the mixture into little balls and set them aside.
7. Pour about 3" to 4" of coconut shreds and a handful or two of chopped nuts (I use a variety.) into a large Ziplock bag and shake gently, covering the entire sweet potato nugget.
8. After allowing coated potato balls to set for about 2030 minutes, remove from coconut/nut covering and place in serving dish or Ziploc bags. May be frozen for later and reheated in microwave.