The recent unexpected death of hundreds of crows in Rajasthan has lead to a bird flu alert being issued within the state. This distressing incident has highlighted the need for comprehensive understanding of bird flu, it’s classifications, its impacts and ways to prevent its spread.
About Bird flu
Bird flu, formally known as Avian Influenza (AI), is a highly infectious viral disease that afflicts a wide spectrum of bird species. These include food-producing birds such as chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc., along with pet birds and wild birds. While predominantly a bird disease, it has been documented to infect mammals and humans on rare occasions.
Types of Bird Flu
Influenza viruses can be divided into three groups; A, B, and C. Only Type A is zoonotic, meaning it can infect both animals and humans. On the other hand, types B and C are primarily human viruses, normally causing only mild disease. The Avian influenza virus includes subtypes like A(H5N1), A(H7N9), and A(H9N2).
Classification of Influenza Viruses
The influenza virus’s classification is based on two surface proteins, Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA). For instance, a virus with HA 7 protein and NA 9 protein is labelled as subtype H7N9. Among these, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) is mostly seen in birds and spreads easily among them. Notably, HPAI Asian H5N1 is particularly fatal for poultry.
Impact of Avian Influenza
Outbreaks of Avian Influenza can wreak havoc on a country, especially its poultry industry. Farmers may witness significant mortality in their flocks, often close to 50%, leading to devastating economic consequences.
Prevention Measures
To ward off such outbreaks, strict biosecurity measures and impeccable hygiene practices are vital. Rapid containment, control, and eradication are typically achieved through a policy of culling infected and contact animals if an infection is detected.
India’s Status on Avian Influenza
In 2019, India had been declared free from Avian Influenza (H5N1) by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). However, this status holds only until another outbreak is reported.
About the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
The OIE is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to enhancing animal health globally. Recognized as a reference organization by the World Trade Organization (WTO), it boasts 182 member countries as of 2018, with India being one of them. The OIE is headquartered in Paris, France.
