Bird Flu Outbreak! Avian Influenza Has Been Confirmed In Seven States Across The Country

 Numerous cases of bird flu or avian influenza have been reported across India. Even as the country is still suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic, the bird flu virus is spreading its wings. Avian flu has been confirmed in at least seven states in the country-- Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala and now in Uttar Pradesh whereas Delhi, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra are on high alert.

So far, Avian Influenza has been confirmed from Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. An advisory has been issued to the affected States so as to avoid further spread of disease: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying

— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2021

Over 4 lakh birds have died in India. The Central Government held a meeting with states to understand the status of the outbreak of bird flu or avian influenza. Centre also suggested measures to state and union territories (UTs) for control and prevent the spread of disease.

The Central Government issued advisories to contain further spread of the outbreak and asked all states to keep a close vigil to detect any unusual bird death.

The Centre has also asked local authorities to boost surveillance around water bodies, live bird markets, zoos and poultry farms.

So far, there are no cases of its transmission into humans, as per reports. The human-to-human transfer of avian influenza is 'very rear'.

However, those working in the poultry farms should take necessary precautions like wearing PPE kits while working in the farm.

The problem is not limited to India.

The bird flu has also been reported in Europe, Japan and South Korea.

Experts said the current outbreak is caused by the H5N8 strain. Though there are other strains circulating globally. A series of outbreaks have been reported in Europe in the past weeks, with wild birds suspected to be spreading the disease.

Experts added that both H5N1 (another strain of avian influenza) and H5N8 have high pathogenicity (the ability of a pathogen to cause disease), but they don't infect humans very effectively. However past outbreaks among farm birds have needed extensive slaughtering programmes.

The current bird flu outbreak comes barely a few months after India on 3 September last year declared the country free from disease. India notified the first outbreak of avian influenza in 2006.

What is Bird Flu?

Bird flu or Avian influenza refers to the disease caused by  infection with avian flu Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect poultry birds like chicken, Ducks and Turkey. It can also affect humans if they come in contact with infected birds. It can also spread from person to person. But till now in this fresh outbreak human to human transmission has not been established yet. But if human to human transmission is established once then there is a 60 per cent chance that a person infected with bird flu may die.

What are its symptoms?

 If a person is infected with bird flu then he or she may have cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, headache and shortness of breath.

Can we eat eggs and chickens?

According to the World Health Organization, chicken and other poultry are safe to eat if cooked properly. Eating at a temperature of 60 to 70 degrees Celsius does not cause virus infection. Well-cooked chicken should be eaten, eating half-cooked chicken can be dangerous.

Wearing facemasks, keeping surroundings clean and washing hands are of utmost importance.

 The virus has already reached over 13 countries. Winter migration puts more countries at risk. This is an explosive situation as the world has not yet recovered from Covid-19 and the Bird flu pandemic has knock the doors.