Published: 30th Dec, 2022
Context
Recently, Authorities in the district of Kottayam have ordered the culling of at least 8,000 birds, including poultry and ducks.
What is bird flu?
- Avian influenza or Bird Flu refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses.
- These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.
- It is a zoonotic disease that affects wild and domestic bird populations.
- Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans.
Spread:
- The disease makes its presence felt particularly during winter in most of India and other parts of the globe.
- This is because, as wintering, migratory birds arrive and bring pathogens with them.
- Temperature is also a factor: the virus thrives better in cooler climes, thus enabling its spread during winter.
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Types of Influenza Virus: There are four types of influenza viruses: influenza A, B, C, and D
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Avian influenza Type A viruses:
- Type A viruses are classified based on two proteins on their surfaces – Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA). There are about 18 HA subtypes and 11 NA subtypes.
- Several combinations of these two proteins are possible e.g., H5N1, H7N2, H9N6, H17N10, H18N11, etc.
- All known subtypes of influenza A viruses can infect birds, except subtypes H17N10 and H18N11, which have only been found in bats.
Measures against bird Flu:
- Revised Action Plan for Prevention, Control & Containment of Avian Influenza (2021)
- Opting Culling method
- Cleansing and disinfecting and reduction of people’s movement.
- Vaccination to humans: Avian Influenza vaccine is available outside India e.g. the USA has developed the vaccine for Human infection.
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