Dr. Shayan Sharif, avian immunologist at the Ontario Veterinary College, appeared on Global News this week to discuss avian flu and new research about the risk to humans.

Sharing his expertise, Sharif warned the virus has the potential to become a human threat.

“Our saving grace is the fact that we don’t provide and nurturing environment for avian influenza viruses,” he said.

Sharif is the associate dean of research and graduate studies at OVC and a professor in the Department of Pathobiology where he researches poultry immunology.