KEY STORY
How does the bird flu spread?
United diagnosticss
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Many birds are infected without a visible sickness and shed it in their droppings. Various birds excrete while flying, thus providing a gateway of air transmission of flu.
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Ducks and Geese are central players in the ecology of this virus, who also migrate long distances, further accelerating the spread to terrestrial birds.
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Movement of infected poultry and migratory birds, and an illegal bird trade are believed to be the causes of the spread. The virus is sensitive to heat and dies in cooking temperatures.
What are the two strains of the avian flu?
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First is the H5N1 strain – one that causes severe respiratory disease in birds. Human transmission is occasional, but it was in 1997 where humans contracted the flu following an outbreak in Hong Kong. 6 out of 18 died of the disease.
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According to WHO, the mortality rate is around 60% when people get infected. WHO also believes to have found no evidence of this strain to spread through prepared and cooked poultry food.
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The second strain is named as H5N8 – it is a subtype of H5N1. This is highly lethal to wild birds and poultry. One of the less pathogenic types for humans and poses only a low risk to people.
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Meanwhile, several states in India have sounded an alert to contain the H5N8 strain of bird flu and sent samples for testing. 12 epicentres have been identified in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala.
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15 districts are affected with H5N8 strain in Rajasthan, most cases in districts of Jhalawar followed by Kota, Baran and Jaipur. In Kerala, districts of Alapuzha and Kottayam are the most affected. Mass culling of birds has begun.
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In Madhya Pradesh, 10 districts have been identified including those of Indore and Malwa. In Himachal Pradesh, Kangra district is the epicentre with grounds laden with bird carcasses.
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Meanwhile, Centre has taken note of the spread and asked the states to constitute state-level monitoring committees to monitor the flu.
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State veterinary departments have been told that the collection of samples of dead birds should be handled with utmost caution and scientific supervision, surveillance should not be restricted to the protected areas alone, but to all wetlands and habitats that host migratory birds.
Are eggs, chicken safe to eat amid bird flu?
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According to the World Health Organization, Chicken and other poultry are safe to eat if cooked properly. However, no birds from flocks with the disease should enter the food chain.
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WHO recommends cooking of poultry at or above 70°Celsius throughout the product, so that absolutely no meat remains raw and red
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WHO also believes to have found no evidence of consumers being exposed to the virus via the handling or consumption of
