2009-04-08 • by Administrator

Avian influenza or bird flu is a disease that is very contagious. This is caused by a virus that normally affects only poultry and birds. Bird species of all sorts are susceptible to this disease. This can go up to an extent of reaching an epidemic. There are two forms of this bird flu or avian influenza as it is otherwise called. The first form of this causes an illness that is quite mild and its symptoms may be reduction in egg production or ruffled feathers. The other symptom may be quite serious and is referred to as highly pathogenic avian influenza. This disease is contagious and may be fatal. The rate of mortality is one hundred percent. Bird flu is also really quick in its attack so the birds, in most cases, die the same day they are diagnosed with these symptoms. 

Are humans at a risk?

The detection of the influenza strain called H5N1 is the major cause of most of these out breaks and is really alarming when it comes to the health of humans. This virus jumps from one species to another without a barrier and hence it is dangerous for humans also.

Are there vaccinations and drugs for treatment and prevention?

The vaccinations that are produced now do not seem to be effective for the way avian influenza has been developing by the new sub types that are formed. When this disease is transferred from a bird to a human it is pretty dangerous and if it does pass from human to human it will twice as more potent. Nevertheless, drugs have been created to treat this bird flu or avian influenza. These are the neuraminidase and the M2 inhibitors.

What are the control measures when it comes to birds affected by bird flu?

The most important measure that you can take in controlling avian influenza or bird flu is complete destruction rapidly. This is called as stamping out or culling. This virus can be killed with the effect of heat and disinfectants like iodine compounds as well as formalin. Bird flu or avian influenza can last up to three months in contaminated bird manure. It may last for about four days when it is in water. One gram of this contaminated manure may affect about one million birds.

What are the consequences?

Outbreaks of avian influenza or bird flu in birds can be really devastating when it comes to farmers or even industries for poultry. Controlling this outbreak may be difficult if it does spread to a large extent. These diseases spread from one farm to another and hence you find that the whole country is affected by this bird flu or avian influenza within a few weeks. Air borne viruses can also be an important reason for this spread. There have been cases where the outbreak could only be controlled after about three years since it first spread.