Bird Flu in Kerala
Why in news :
- Frequent outbreaks of avian flu in Kerala have critically hit the poultry industry and the livelihood of hundreds of farmers.
- Contact with migratory birds is the likely trigger for the current outbreak.
More about the news :
- Five outbreaks have been reported in the last three or four months alone.
- Experts demand diagnostic studies to control the infection.
- Kerala’s wetlands which habitats more than 80% of duck population, are under threat due to outbreaks of bird flu.
- Many of these wetlands come under Ramsar sites with rich biodiversity.
- The Kuttanad area, a Ramsar site, is under constant threat of Avian influenza.
More about Bird flu :
- Avian influenza or bird flu refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses.
- These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.
- Wild aquatic birds, especially dabbling ducks, are considered reservoirs (hosts) for avian influenza A viruses.
- Avian influenza A viruses are very contagious among birds, and some of these viruses can sicken and even kill certain domesticated bird species, including chickens, ducks and turkeys.
- Infected birds can shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and faeces.
- Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with the virus as it is shed by infected birds.
- They also can become infected through contact with surfaces that are contaminated with virus from infected birds.
- Bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred.
- There is no effective vaccination against bird flu. It spreads mainly through migratory birds.
Syllabus : Prelims; Various diseases in news
