Ew Bird Flu

"Avian influenza has been confirmed by the National Institute of Security Animal Diseases,” Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan wrote to the respective states. Six states have confirmed presence of bird flu: Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat. The federal government has asked local authorities to boost surveillance around water bodies, live bird markets, zoos and poultry farms.

Bird flu/Avian influenza, is a viral disease that affects both wild and poultry birds, causing varying reactions ranging from mild symptoms to loss of avian lives. The current outbreak has evidence of H5N1 and H8N1 strains of virus causing death of birds. It is usually demarcated by unusual deaths of poultry, crows and migratory bird.

Human to Human/Bird to Human spread of the flu is not that easy; mostly those who work in close contacts with infected birds (dead or alive) and eat uncooked or half-cooked poultry products including chicken meat are at risk.

While the Would Health Organisation clearly states that there is no harm in eating properly cooked food (prepared at above 70 degree celsius) in good hygienic conditions, viruses go through constant mutations. Moreover, bird flu in humans becomes a respiratory tract illness, which may cause Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome similar to the one caused by COVID-19.

Early symptoms of bird flu among humans are fever, cough and sore throat. Sometimes, an infected person may complain of abdominal pain and suffer diarrhoea. All these symptoms are seen in the case of Covid-19 as well. There is no vaccine for protection against bird flu yet.

Poultry businesses across the country are likely to be affected in the next two to three quarters, as the consumption of poultry products such as chicken and eggs may decline, and demand for poultry feed may also be impacted. Currently, awareness among poultry farmers and the general public about the disease is of foremost importance.

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