Bird Flu Outbreak: Know Latest Updates

Bird flu also called avian influenza, is a viral infection that can infect not only birds but also humans and other animals. Recently there have been reports about numerous bird flu cases across India, due to these sudden rises in cases it is alarming since we have not yet even begun to properly neutralize the COVID-19 virus. H5N1 is the most common form of bird flu. It’s deadly to birds and can easily affect humans and other animals that come in contact with a carrier.

Identification and source of the virus.
The symptoms include.

• cough
• diarrhea
• respiratory difficulties
• fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C)
• headache
• muscle aches
• malaise
• runny nose
• sore throat

H5N1 occurs naturally in wild waterfowl, but it can spread easily to domestic poultry. The disease is transmitted to humans through contact with infected bird feces, nasal secretions, or secretions from the mouth or eyes. Consuming properly cooked poultry or eggs from infected birds doesn’t transmit the bird flu, however, runny eggs should be prevented and all vegetables should not be eaten raw, it should be properly washed and cooked at around 75°C.

The current outbreak of bird flu.

Bird flu spread to 10 states on Monday with Delhi, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand confirming the viral outbreak because a majority of migratory birds are expected to be infected. in India, the disease had been spread mainly by migratory birds and added that the secondary spread to poultry birds had occurred only at a few places. Delhi, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand joined Himachal Pradesh, where close to 4,000 migratory birds have died in Pong Dam, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Haryana in confirming bird flu cases. Minister of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairy, Giriraj Singh addressed the consumer and wholesalers not to worry and continue selling and consumption of the said edibles while stating that the transmission of the flu is not yet backed by scientific reports.

This announcement from the authorities eased the market a little bit and the consumers are a little relaxed. However, even after the announcement, it is always recommended to stay on the safer side. Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do:

Do’s:

• Avoid coming in contact with live birds as well as poultry
• Use different utensils for meat purposes.
• Make sure the meat is cooked at well above 75°C.
• Wash your hands with warm water and soap repeatedly, especially if you have handled raw poultry

Don’t’s:

• Avoid getting in contact with dead droppings of birds.
• Do not go near live animal markets or poultry farms
• Do not eat undercooked or raw poultry or other birds
• Do not eat raw eggs

Over to you.
While still coping with the coronavirus, India is struck with the bird flu. The year has been tough because of the pandemic and right when vaccines were starting to get distributed, bird flu cases started arising from 10 states in India as of 11th January 2021. Identification, source, and current status of the country can be found in the above-mentioned article along with some ways to avoid coming in contact with the said disease. Stay safe.