Source: The Hindu (Avian Influenza Virus)
Why in News?
Maharashtra has reported India’s first known case of avian influenza (H5N1) among animals, prompting the Union Animal Husbandry Ministry to issue an advisory to all States.
They urged strict quarantine measures for infected or symptomatic tigers and other feline species to prevent its transmission.
Details of the Case
- Location: An animal rescue center in Nagpur.
- Affected Species: Three tigers and one leopard died of the H5N1 virus in the last week of December.
- Confirmation: Post-mortem samples were tested at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal and confirmed positive for avian influenzas.
Cross-Species Transmission of Avian Influenza Virus
Union Animal Husbandry Commissioner Abhijit Mitra stated that the virus is crossing the species barrier, citing examples from the U.S. and Vietnam, where the virus has infected cattle, goats, and wild animals like tigers.
Possible Cause of Infection (Avian Influenza Virus)
- The infected animals may have contracted the virus through contaminated chicken meat served at the rescue center.
- The Ministry is investigating the source of the infection and coordinating with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
| What is Avian influenza? | Symptoms of Avian influenza | Is Vaccine available? |
| Avian influenza, sometimes known as bird flu, is a disease caused by a virus that mainly affects birds but can also affect mammals, including humans. It primarily spreads from infected birds to humans through close contact with birds or contaminated environments, such as in backyard poultry farm settings and at markets where birds are sold. There have also been limited reports of transmission from other infected animals to humans. | Symptoms in humans range from mild to severe, and in some cases, can be fatal. Respiratory symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, and sore throat are more common but non-respiratory symptoms such as fatigue and muscle or body aches are also reported. Asymptomatic infection has also been found in humans with exposure to infected animals or their environments. | Currently, human infections of avian influenza are limited and vaccines are not recommended. The seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect against avian influenza, but it may reduce the likelihood of being simultaneously infected with both avian and seasonal influenza viruses (dual infections). |
Precautionary Measures Taken
- Infected animals have been isolated, and treatment is underway.
- A National Joint Outbreak Response Team has been deployed to the rescue center to implement necessary measures.
- Health screenings for individuals who handled the animals during treatment and post-mortem procedures are being conducted.
Guidelines Issued by the Ministry
The Union Animal Husbandry Ministry has directed States to implement enhanced biosecurity protocols:
- Temporarily shut down affected establishments to the public.
- Restrict Movement: Limit movement of personnel, veterinarians, and workers, ensuring no crossover between infected and healthy enclosures.
- Disinfection: Thoroughly disinfect areas where animal deaths have been reported.
- Quarantine infected or symptomatic animals, especially tigers and other feline species.
