the present invention provides methods and uses for an interferon composition in the treatment of avian influenza . transmission of avian influenza virus h5n1 to humans has been shown to be highly pathogenic . the present invention provides for methods of treatment that provide a broad spectrum , first line defense against avian influenza infection in humans . the methods of the present invention can be further extended to treat strains of avian influenza viruses that have resulted from antigenic drift , this potentially resulting in avian influenza based virus which is highly pathogenic and transmissible between humans .