‘Different from local flu’: Avian flu explained

Reyivolü Rhakho
Kohima, Jan. 10 (EMN): Nagaland government has issued a red alert notice after a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been reported in several states across the country.

The avian influenza (AI), which is mainly caused by H5N8, an Influenza Type-A Virus, has been circulating worldwide for centuries with four known major outbreaks recorded in the last century. India notified the first outbreak of avian influenza in 2006.

In an interaction with Eastern Mirror, veterinary assistant surgeon, Veterinary Hospital Kohima, Dr. Aba, shared that avian influenza is seasonal which occurs during winter season and is spread mainly by migratory birds coming into India.

In Nagaland, this kind of flu is being brought from outside, he said, adding that the state, which shares its border with Myanmar and other India states, is “more susceptible” to this kind of flu.

So far, the department is yet to receive any report of such cases.

Symptoms, nature and treatment

Some of the symptoms of the avian influenza in birds and chickens include nasal discharge, combs become brown because of hemorrhage, cough etc.

Since avian influenza is a viral disease, the mode of spread is “very fast”. The whole flock of birds and poultry can be infected with the virus within a span of a few hours, in a day, or in a few days time, Aba informed. Rate of infection will be “very high and fast” and so is mortality rate, he added.

Once the infection sets in, it cannot be controlled. Hundreds of birds will die in a day and another hundred the next day. The antibiotics available for treatment would not be effective enough to control the spread of infection, the doctor said.

Culling the whole flock, including healthy ones, is the only way to contain the virus from spreading. There is no treatment and even the antibiotics available for treatment would not be effective once the virus spreads, he pointed out.

Preventive measures

Aba suggested some ways to prevent the virus from spreading to other regions.

Poultry import should not be allowed from other states where AI cases have been reported. Although migratory birds cannot be controlled, import of other poultry birds must be avoided, he said.

For the areas where infection has already begun, maximum precautions should be taken not to sell birds or chickens to other states, as this kind of import spreads the virus, he added.

Maximum bio-security measures must be taken when entering or exiting the infected farm or zone. Bio-security measures include wearing gloves and PPE suits. In addition, the veterinarians who are culling the flock of birds must take all safety measures. Even disposing of PPE suits and other kits used in the process of treating the infected birds must be done in a scientific manner. Stray animals or pets must not be allowed to enter the infected area, the doctor said.

Avian influenza different from local flu

While it was learnt that some sort of flu had caused the dead of chickens in some villages in Nagaland, the doctor clarified that the avian influenza outbreak is different from the local flu. The local poultry that die during winter seasons due to infection is already prevalent in the state, he informed.

“This kind of flu is common among the local birds because we do not vaccinate the local chickens. As for the poultry birds like broiler, kuroiler and felister, we vaccinate them at a scheduled time,” he said.

“The chickens might have died from this kind of flu during the winter season but that cannot be called an outbreak if it is not rapidly spreading to other villages or defined geographical areas,” the veterinarian added.

How to dispose of dead chicken

Safe disposal of chickens and birds that have died from the flu is indispensable. The bird’s feathers, blood, or other waste material should not be disposed of in an open area where stray animals would come and eat, which in turn will spread the infection.

The dead (flock of) birds and chickens, the doctor advised, must be buried three to four feet under, adding some salt, lime on top, besides covering it properly.

Human transmission not yet reported

So far, the direct infection of the AI in human has not been reported, as per the Centre.

“Infection in humans is not yet reported in India though the disease is zoonotic. There is no direct evidence that AI viruses can be transmitted to humans via the consumption of contaminated poultry products”, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying said in a statement on Wednesday.

On Thursday, the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services had issued an advisory for preparedness, control and containment of AI, to the public and district officers of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services for coordinated efforts and containment measures in the state.