What is bird flu cases?
2-Min Summary. bird flu, also called avian influenza, a viral respiratory disease mainly of poultry and certain other bird species, including migratory waterbirds, some imported pet birds, and ostriches, that can be transmitted directly to humans.
Is avian flu a coronavirus?
Avian influenza A (H5N1) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus are infections that cause a severe viral pneumonia leading to acute respiratory dysfunction syndrome and carry a high case-fatality rate.
How is avian flu spread?
Avian influenza spreads from bird to bird by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces. It can also be spread by contaminated feed and water or by dirty vehicles, clothing and footwear.
How many cases of avian flu were there?
The last case was reported from Lao PDR, with an onset date of 13 October 2020 (one case, no death). Globally, from January 2003 to 30 December 2021, there were 863 cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus reported from 18 countries. Of these 863 cases, 456 were fatal (CFR of 53%).
Why is avian flu a concern?
Some avian influenza viruses have caused rare, sporadic infections in people, resulting in human illness ranging from mild to severe. These viruses are of public health concern because of their ability to cause human illness and also because of their potential to cause a pandemic.
How is bird flu prevented?
Avoid close contact with infected or suspected birds and animals, specially their droppings, saliva and other secretions. Avoid consuming raw / uncooked / partially cooked poultry products such as chickens and eggs. Cooking (half an hour & 700C) kills the bird flu virus. It makes food safe.
What country has the bird flu?
Bird flu outbreak in Israel kills more than 5,200 cranes, with mass culling of poultry underway. Israel is battling the coronavirus and a surge in flu cases. But it’s an outbreak of the H5N1 avian flu among migratory cranes and domestic poultry that is drawing global concern.
Is avian flu airborne?
Avian influenza isn’t an airborne virus.” It can spread to humans who touch infected birds, droppings or bedding or who kill or prepare infected poultry for cooking, the NHS has said. People cannot catch bird flu by eating fully cooked poultry or eggs, even in areas affected by an outbreak, health officials have said.
Why is there no vaccine for bird flu?
The minister further explained that with the long-term use of vaccination either the disease becomes endemic and therefore widespread, or the infection in affected animals gets too difficult to detect. “The Government of India has not permitted use of any vaccine against bird flu in the country.
Why is the bird flu important?
Avian influenza outbreaks are of concern in domesticated birds for several reasons: the potential for low pathogenic H5 and H7 viruses to evolve into highly pathogenic viruses. the potential for rapid spread and significant illness and death among poultry during outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
What is CDC’s notification policy for avian influenza A (H5N1)?
CDC is requesting notification of all confirmed and probable cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection within 24 hours of identification.
What is the US government doing about avian influenza?
Avian Influenza. USDA has both an international and a domestic role in controlling the spread of avian influenza (AI) and reducing its effects on both agriculture and public health. USDA is aware of and prepared for the emergence of new types of AI virus. The nature of the influenza virus is such that mutations occur easily.
What is the criteria for testing for avian influenza?
Note: Tests must be conducted in a national, regional or international influenza laboratory whose Avian Influenza in Humans (AIH) test results are accepted by WHO as confirmatory An acute illness characterised by: Fever (>38ºC ) or history of fever AND one or more of; cough OR rhinorrhoea OR myalgia OR headache OR dyspnoea OR diarrhoea;
Can you get Avian influenza from backyard birds?
Avian Influenza. During that time, HPAI H5 was found in wild birds, a few backyard flocks as well as commercial poultry flocks in these flyways. USDA has both an international and a domestic role in controlling the spread of avian influenza (AI) and reducing its effects on both agriculture and public health.