Bird flu or avian flu is a viral disease that spreads in birds.It is an infectious influenza virus.In rare cases it also spreads in humans.
There are various strains of the virus
- H5N1
- H7N9
- H5N6
- H5N8
Birds affected
It occurs naturally in wild waterfowl and then can spread into domestic fowls.The birds are
- Ducks
- Swans
- Gulls
- Geese
- Plovers
- Chickens
- Turkeys
Modes of transmission
The disease can be transmitted via contact with infected birds faeces and through secretions from its nose,eyes or mouth.It can spread to humans through bird droppings and saliva.
Symptoms in birds
- Extreme diarrhoea
- Gasping
- Swelling around head,neck and eyes
- Purple discoloration of head and legs.
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Pneumonia
- Eye infections.
Cases reported world wide.
Cases nearly 240 have been reported in humans till date out of which 134 died.The mortality rate of the disease is nearly 60%.
Methods of prevention
One should not touch dead or sick birds.one should not go to bird farms during outbreaks.one should not touch surfaces that may have faeces, blood or saliva of the infected birds.
Laboratory tests
Samples from nose or throat can be taken and and tested for presence of bird flu virus.
Treatment
- Anti-viral medication-Oseltamivir and Zanamivir
- Culling of infected birds
- Vaccination of healthy birds.
There are various misconceptions related to bird flu like one can get this virus by eating the birds meat or eggs.This is not true and there is not any evidence which can support such myths.There is no hindrance in eating well cooked meat of the birds.
Vaccines are currently available in the US.More research is being done on the development of vaccines for prevention of outbreaks which result in economic and livelihood losses for people associated with this farming.
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