What happens if the H5N1 strain of the Avian (bird) flu, comes to America?

Will we be able to control it?

Or do we have to worry at all about the much feared illness?

Those questions are important to ask after the bird flu, a contagious virus that usually infects birds, was discovered last week in Germany in a weasel-like animal called the stone marten.

The animal came from the same area of Germany as 125 wild swans, ducks and other birds of prey and three cats that were infected with the flu — many of which died. This has scientists concerned the disease will continue to spread. It has already been found in birds in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

According to the World Health Organization, from 2003 to this year, 97 people all over the world have died from the disease.

Although scientists in Germany aren't sure exactly how the stone marten got the disease, they say it likely got sick from eating dead birds with the flu.

The bird flu has not been identified in the United States, but some scientists are still worried that the disease could be transmitted to people and cause widespread illness or a pandemic.

Of course, no one is completely sure if that will happen or what exactly we should do to stop it.

Do we stop eating any kind of bird and get vaccinated, or do we not do anything at all?

Although people have been claiming that the disease could create a massive pandemic if it gets to the United States, most Americans don't seem very afraid.

Maybe they don't seem concerned because it hasn't been found near us, or because there are plenty of things out there that can kill us besides the bird flu.

A pandemic is a serious thing and others in history have claimed plenty of lives, but because no one so far in North America has gotten sick, the disease doesn't seem very dangerous.

After all, the U.S. government hasn't told us whether we should be afraid or if we should stop eating poultry.

That doesn't mean they shouldn't try to prepare for an outbreak.

Educating people about the disease and its potential, stockpiling medicine and being vigilant could reduce the disease's impact in America — if it ever comes.

MSU researchers are also doing their part by testing animals brought to them to see how they died and if the disease was present.

Vigilance, caution and reality can help make us more prepared for whatever the flu throws at us.