Avian Influenza (H5N1) – UPSC Prelims

  • Bird flu, also known as Avian influenza (AI), is a highly contagious viral disease affecting several species of food-producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc.) as well as pet birds and wild birds.
  • Occasionally mammals, including humans, may contract avian influenza.
  • Types of Influenza Viruses:
    • Influenza viruses are grouped into three types; A, B, and C.
    • Only type A is known to infect animals and is zoonotic, meaning it can also infect humans.
    • Avian influenza virus subtypes include A(H5N1), A(H7N9), A(H9N2) and A(H10N3).
    • Type B and C mostly infect humans and typically cause mild disease.
  • Classification:
    • Influenza viruses are classified into subtypes based on two surface proteins, Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA).
    • For example, a virus that has an HA 7 protein and NA 9 protein is designated as subtype H7N9.
  • Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus occurs mainly in birds and is highly contagious among them.
  • Impact:
    • Avian Influenza outbreaks can lead to devastating consequences for the country, particularly the poultry industry.
    • Farmers might experience a high level of mortality in their flocks, with rates often around 50%.
  • Prevention:
    • Strict biosecurity measures and good hygiene are essential in protecting against disease outbreaks.
  • Eradication:
    • If the infection is detected in animals, a policy of culling infected and contact animals is normally used in an effort to rapidly contain, control and eradicate the disease.
  • India’s Status:
    • Fresh cases of bird flu were reported in different states of India between December 2020-January 2021 causing alarm across the country.
    • Previously in 2019, India was declared free from Avian Influenza (H5N1), which had also been notified to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).
    • The OIE is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide. It is headquartered in Paris, France.

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