Bird Flu cases are emerging, is it a nasty bird flu outbreak?

• By Shilpa Kamoli
• 30-01-2021
• 218
• 1

Avian influenza commonly known as bird flu is a highly contagious viral,

disease affecting a variety of birds. It includes those consumed by humans such,

as chicken, duck, turkey, quails as well as pet birds and wild birds.

Wild birds act as a natural reservoir of Avial influenza viruses.

Their migratory movement could bring these pathogens to poultry and,

other domestic birds through contact. Bird flu can be caused by several,

virus stains some of that can be transmitted to humans.

The 2 virus strain identified in this outbreak is H5N1 and HYN8.

These come under the category of highly, pathogenic influenza which in,

most cases lead to diseases and death of people.

Bird Flu Concerns

World Health Organization (W.H.O) states that humans can be infected with viruses,

subtypes such as H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2. The response to such an outbreak is

a containment strategy that is primarily centered on removing the diseased bird through

killing. Such mass destruction has a severe impact on farmers.

Kerala has already identified over 69 thousand birds, mostly ducks, to be killed.

The spread of the disease among a variety of birds including migrating birds has

prompted the center to issue an alert to states. Local authorities have banned the

sales and export of poultry in many regions.

They are also increasing tests to control the spread of bird flu.

It is impossible to eradicate influenza viruses as they persist in a vast reservoir of

aquatic birds. Experts say that continuous growth in poultry farming under poor,

conditions may have sustained the virus.

Symptoms of Influenza in Humans:

1. Cough

2. Fever

3. Sour throat

4. Muscle ache

5. Shortness of breath

6. Malaise

7. Pneumonia

8. Runny Nose

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms you must consult a doctor.

Before visiting the hospital you must inform the staff so that they can

take precautions.

How can Bird Flu be Diagnosed?

CDC(Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) has approved,

influenza A/H5 test to identify the disease. However,

the test is not available at most hospitals and testing centers.

This test offers reports in 4 to 5 hours. Doctors also suggest multiple,

tests as a supplement for this test such as

1. Nasopharyngeal culture

2. Auscultation (a test that detects abnormal breath sounds)

3. Chest X-ray

4. White blood cell differential

Additional tests are also done to know the functioning kidneys, heart, and liver.

How to prevent Bird Flu?

In the present scenario, the best way to prevent bird flu is by not traveling to the,

infected state or country as the disease can get out of control and start spreading,

drastically. There are several other things that need to be done to prevent bird flu,

such as:

1. Eat completely cooked eggs and make sure they are not in runny condition.

2. Keep your non-veg food separately from vegetarian food.

3. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hand sanitizer after touching any poultry product.

4. Avoid coming in contact with a person or animal suffering from this disease.

5. Avoid visiting poultry farms or local markets where poultry animals are found in large numbers.

6. Cook any kind of food properly for a minimum of 30 mins before consuming it.

Who is likely to be infected by this disease?

Birds and animals suffering from bird flu tend to spread the disease,

through feces and saliva. The virus can survive in its excreta for

almost 10 days. Getting in contact with the contaminated surface

can spread the disease. People who are at great risk of this disease

include:

1. Healthcare workers treating patients suffering from Bird flu

2. Closest family members of the infected person

3. A person who came in contact with the infected birds and animals.

4. People visiting an infected state or the country.

5. A poultry farmer

6. Non-vegetarians who eat undercooked poultry products.

It is always advised to take precautions when a disease is spreading,

at a fast speed to avoid getting in contact with it. Currently, the virus

is not known to spread from humans to humans contact.

But still, bird flu is believed to become a pandemic threat to humans as,

it spreading very fast among birds and animals.

This can lead to a nasty outbreak of bird flu among humans as well as

birds and animals.