Kochi, India (CU)_ The H5N8 strain of Avian Influenza popularly known as the bird flu was detected in Kerala in some places of Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. Out of the eight samples sent for testing to the Bhopal-based laboratory, five samples confirmed the Avian Influenza. The report said that at present the virus was confirmed only in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts, and so far, no human infection was found. Kerala reported the same outbreak in 2014 also which killed thousands of birds.
Minister K Raju, while addressing the media, said preventive measures will be taken to control the spread. He said, “According to the established guidelines, birds in 1 km radius of the affected areas will be culled to contain the spread”. The Minister reported that nearly 12,000 ducks have died due to the flu in the past few days and that another 36,000 birds are expected to be culled in the coming days. As a relief measure, the state government has set up control rooms and quick response teams in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts for taking immediate actions against the flu.
Kerala reported this issue days after number of crows found dead in some parts of Rajasthan, including Jaipur. Indore in Madhya Pradesh also reported similar issues in their state. Samples from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh also confirmed Avian Influenza.
Bird flu is a viral infection that can infect both birds and humans and also animals. Some viruses are restricted to birds only, and H5N1 is the most common form of bird flu, which can easily be transmitted to humans and other animals that come in touch with the carrier. The World Health Organization said that the H5N1 form of virus which was first found in humans in 1997 killed nearly 60 per cent. At present, there are no evidence that the virus spread through human-to-human contact. However, some experts are concerned that H5N1 may have a risk of becoming a human pandemic threat.
