AVIAN INFLUENZA

AVIAN INFLUENZA

Subject:  Science and Tech

Context:

Avian influenza, popularly known as bird flu, has been reported from Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh in recent weeks.

Concept:

Avian influenza, known informally as avian flu or bird flu, is a variety of influenza caused by viruses adapted to birds.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI):

The two virus types identified so far in the outbreaks — H5N1 and H5N8come under the category of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which is of major concern to those keeping birds, because it leads to disease and death of fowl and causes economic havoc. H5N1 is a known threat to humans as well

Out of the three types of influenza viruses (A, B, and C), influenza A virus is a zoonotic infection with a natural reservoir almost entirely in birds. Avian influenza, for most purposes, refers to the influenza A virus.

Though influenza A is adapted to birds, it can also stably adapt and sustain person-to-person transmission.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:

Avian influenza is most often spread by contact between infected and healthy birds, though can also be spread indirectly through contaminated equipment.

The virus is found in secretions from the nostrils, mouth, and eyes of infected birds as well as their droppings.

HPAI infection is spread to people often through direct contact with infected poultry, such as during slaughter or plucking.

IS THIS INFLUENZA AIRBORNE?

Though the virus can spread through airborne secretions, the disease itself is not an airborne disease.

HUMAN TO HUMAN TRANSMISSION:

In its present form, human-to-human infection is not known — human infections have been reported only among people who have handled infected birds or carcasses.