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05 January, 2021
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Bird Flu in India

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Bird Flu in India

Kerala was placed on high alert on Monday after an outbreak of bird flu was confirmed in Kottayam and Alappuzha districts.
The presence of the H5N8 subtype of the Influenza A virus was reported in ducks in Thalavadi, Thakazhy, Pallipad and Karuvatta in Alappuzha district and Neendoor in Kottayam district.
The Alappuzha district authorities have decided to cull birds within a 1 km radius of the infected areas.
While it can prove lethal for birds, the H5N8 strain of avian influenza has a lower likelihood of spreading to humans compared to H5N1.

About Bird Flu

Bird flu, also known as Avian influenza (AI), is a highly contagious viral disease affecting several species of food-producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc.) as well as pet birds and wild birds.
Occasionally mammals, including humans, may contract avian influenza.

Types of Bird Flu:

Influenza viruses are grouped into three types; A, B, and C. Only type A is known to infect animals and is zoonotic, meaning it can infect animals and also humans. Type B and C mostly infect humans and typically cause mild disease.
Avian influenza virus subtypes include A(H5N1), A(H7N9), and A(H9N2).
Influenza viruses are classified into subtypes based on two surface proteins, Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA). For example, a virus that has an HA 7 protein and NA 9 protein is designated as subtype H7N9.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus occurs mainly in birds and is highly contagious among them.
HPAI Asian H5N1 is especially deadly for poultry.

Can the virus transfer to humans?

There are no known cases of H5N8 in human beings. Risk to general public is very low.
There is also no evidence that consumption of poultry meat or eggs could transmit the virus to humans.
But necessary precautions are required while handling sick/dead birds and contaminated material during control and containment operations.
It is considered safe to eat properly cooked poultry products.

Control measures:

Culling is usually undertaken to control the infection when it is detected in animals. Besides culling, safe disposal of all such culled animals and animal products is also important.
The authorities also need to strictly enforce decontamination of infected premises and undertake quarantine of contaminated vehicles and personnel.

Impact:

Avian Influenza outbreaks can lead to devastating consequences for the country, particularly the poultry industry.
Farmers might experience a high level of mortality in their flocks, with rates often around 50%.

India’s Status:

Previously in 2019, India was declared free from Avian Influenza (H5N1), which had also been notified to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).
The status will last only till another outbreak is reported.

Source: TH

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