Bird Flu: An Ongoing Threat to Public Health

What is Bird Flu?

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a contagious viral infection that

can infect both domesticated birds like chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese as

well as wild birds. The virus occurs naturally among wild aquatic birds

worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.

Bird Flu Strains

There are various strains of bird flu virus but the one of major concern is

called highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) type A viruses. These strains

are highly contagious among bird populations and can cause severe disease that

spreads rapidly resulting in high mortality rates sometimes affecting as much

as 90-100% of infected flocks. The H5N1 virus is one such strain that has

caused large scale epidemics and pandemics among poultry since the late 1990s.

Transmission to Humans

While birds are the usual carriers and spreaders of bird flu, occasionally

humans can also catch the virus, generally after direct unprotected contact

with infected live or dead birds. This is referred to as avian influenza A

virus infections in humans https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/industry-repor...

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/industry-repor... when it occurs. Sustained human-to-human transmission of these

viruses has been very limited and inefficient.

Symptoms in Humans

The symptoms of bird flu infection in humans are similar to those of regular

seasonal influenza which may include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches,

eye infections, and in severe cases pneumonia and acute respiratory distress.

Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea are also possible. Serious

complications can lead to severe respiratory diseases like viral pneumonia and

even death. The severity of symptoms may vary depending on immune condition and

age of the infected person. Elderly people and very young children are at

highest risk.

Containing the Spread

Several strategies are employed to contain any potential spread of HPAI

viruses. Infected birds are culled immediately to stop the virus. Rigorous

monitoring and surveillance programs are used to test poultry and wild birds

for early detection. Strict biosecurity measures are enforced in commercial

poultry farms and live bird markets to prevent the virus from entering.

Restricting movements of poultry, eggs and manure in infected areas is done.

Public education about handling and consuming birds safely helps stop

transmission to humans. Antiviral medications and vaccines are studied for

prevention and control. International cooperation and trade restrictions curb

global spread of the disease.

Current Situation

While H5N1 bird flu first emerged in 1997, continued circulation and evolution

of the virus led to additional outbreaks in poultry in Asia, Africa and Europe

since 2003 until present. Millions of birds were culled to control epidemics.

As of now, H5N1 HPAI viruses remain entrenched in parts of Asia, Africa, Europe

and Middle East, moving between poultry and wild birds. Regular human cases and

sporadic clusters continue to be reported worldwide, with fatality rate around

60% according to WHO. The threat of a bird flu pandemic looms as more subtypes

and strains emerge. Constant vigilance and quick actions are key to preventing

future spread.

Protecting Yourself

Some basic precautions everyone should take include avoiding contact with dead

or sick birds and properly handling and cooking meat and eggs. Do not touch

surfaces or use items that were in contact with infected birds without

disinfection. Maintain good personal hygiene after engaging in high-risk activities

like visiting live bird markets or poultry farms. Report unusual deaths among

wild or domestic birds to healthcare and animal health authorities immediately.

Get medical help promptly if flu-like symptoms develop after exposure to

infected birds. Staying alert and following recommended guidelines will help

lower chances of getting or spreading bird flu.

while bird flu viruses occur naturally in birds, certain strains like H5N1 HPAI

can cause severe disease in poultry and occasionally infect humans. Timely

identification, culling and tracing contacts has helped control outbreaks. But

as the viruses continue to circulate, mutate and potentially adapt to humans,

global cooperation remains crucial for ongoing surveillance, early detection,

proper response and prevention strategies to avert future pandemics. Heightened

biosecurity, monitoring and public education are needed to reduce threat at the

animal-human interface. With effort and vigilance, we hope to better understand

and manage this ongoing zoonotic health risk.

Get More Insights On Global Bird Flu

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/industry-repor...

Get this Report in

Japanese Language

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ja/%E3%82%B0%E...

Get this Reports in

Korean Language

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ko/%EA%B8%80%E...

About Author:

Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent

Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role

as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully

employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft

high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures

flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment

with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence

and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world

of market insights.

(LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137

)