Today it was Rosenmontag in Germany. It is an important and official holiday in the state of NRW, it is the most important day in the Carnival season... there were parades full of color in many cities accross the state where people dance and cheer an old tradition; But there is a particular thing that has been seen in many of the cars this year... Bird Flu themes such as the one you can see in the picture (taken in Aachen's parade).

As cases of birds with the virus H5N1 were reported accross Europe, Africa and more countries in Asia you start wondering... are our countries prepared and acting properly towards this challenge? Are people over reacting or not? How could it impact different aspects of our lives (health systems, economies, etc.)?

Looking forward to hear your opinions.

I found a pretty good gathering of info regarding the virus itself, its prevention and progress if you are interested: New Scientist Special Report.