Will antiviral medication be effective in treating bird flu?

Let's hope so: Neuraminidase inhibitors (nai's) are the only reliable antivirals used to treat human influenza. Approved nai's include oseltamivir (tamiflu) & zanamivir (relenza). Avian influenza (bird flu) is also treated with oseltamivir. Both human & avian influenza can mutate & become resistant to nai's. Cases of h5n1 avian influenza resistant to oseltamivir have been found. New nai's are in development now.

Possibly: Amantadine and ramantidine have been used, but have a high rate of resistance. Tamiflu and Relenza (zanamivir) are available by prescription and have shown variable success. Resistance has been high in this specific influenza variety.