AVIAN INFLUENZA

AVIAN INFLUENZA

Subject: Science & tech

Context: Avian influenza (H5N1) led to the death of over 5,000 migratory birds in the Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary area in Kangra district.

Concept:

Avian Influenza

• 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.
• Influenza A 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.
• Avian influenza virus subtypes include A(H5N1), A(H7N9), and A(H9N2).
• HPAI A(H5N1) virus occurs mainly in birds and is highly contagious among them.
• HPAI Asian H5N1 is especially deadly for poultry.
• Prevention: Strict biosecurity measures and good hygiene are essential in protecting against disease outbreaks.
• Eradication: If the infection is detected in animals, a policy of culling infected and contact animals is normally used in an effort to rapidly contain, control and eradicate the disease.