There have been reports of avian flu cases in Kerala Bird flu outbreak has been reported at two places in Alappuzha district of Kerala. These include Ward No. 1 of Edathva Gram Panchayat and Ward No. 3 of Cheruthana Gram Panchayat. Bird flu is a disease of birds which is very fatal. Know its symptoms and necessary prevention.
Kerala Bird Flu
The spread of bird flu has been reported at two places in Alappuzha district of Kerala Bird flu has been confirmed in ducks reared in one area of Ward 1 of Edathva Gram Panchayat and another area of Ward 3 of Cheruthana Gram Panchayat. There has been panic in the surrounding areas after receiving the news. The Animal Husbandry Department has increased round-the-clock surveillance at 12 border check posts. A veterinary doctor and four other employees have been deployed at all these check posts. Instructions have been issued to stop and return vehicles carrying poultry meat, eggs and ducks.
Since April 12, 3 thousand birds have been killed in Edathwa and 250 birds have been killed in Cheruthana. When samples of dead birds were sent to the lab in Bhopal, avian influenza (H5N1) i.e. bird flu was confirmed in them. The authorities have decided to kill and destroy all domestic birds within a radius of one kilometer of the affected area.
What is bird flu or avian influenza?
Avian influenza is called bird flu or avian flu. This disease was first reported in Vietnam in 2003. This is a disease of birds, which is very fatal. This disease spreads from wild birds to domesticated birds. Although this bird flu can also infect humans, the probability of this is very less. If someone breathes in the virus present in the dust, there can be a risk of infection. Apart from this, infection can also occur by touching any infected thing.
According to America’s Center for Disease Control, this virus attacks the intestines or respiratory system of birds and makes them sick. Even they die.
Symptoms of Bird Flu
- Severe body pain
- High fever
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling cold
- Blood in mucus
Take these precautions
- To avoid bird flu, those handling infected birds should wear gloves and keep their faces covered.
- Hands need to be constantly cleaned with water and soap.
- Eat only well cooked meat and eggs. Do not eat raw eggs or meat.
- Report any dead or sick bird to the animal welfare department or local government department.
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