Avian Influenza (H5N1)

Context:

Maharashtra has recorded India’s first case of H5N1 avian influenza in animals, highlighting a major concern for wildlife health.

Recent Impact on Animals

• Mortality: Three tigers and one leopard succumbed to H5N1 at the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada Zoo in Nagpur.
• Transmission: The animals were infected after being rescued from Chandrapur, indicating the spread of the disease in captive wildlife.
• First Instance in India: This is the first recorded case of H5N1 causing fatalities among captive wildlife in India.

About Avian Influenza (H5N1):

• H5N1 Overview:
  • A type of influenza virus that causes severe respiratory disease in birds.
  • Belongs to the influenza A virus, classified based on surface protein properties.
• Classification of Influenza A Viruses:
  • Influenza A viruses are classified by hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) proteins.
  • There are 18 hemagglutinin (H1-H18) and 11 neuraminidase (N1-N11) subtypes.
• Subtypes and Severity:
  • Various subtypes exist, such as H5N3, H5N8, etc.
  • Based on severity, it is categorized into 2 types: Low Pathogenicity and High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza.
  • H5N1 is classified as a High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza.
• Initial Identification: H5N1 was 1^st detected in domestic waterfowl in Southern China.
• Carriers:  Migratory wild birds, particularly waterfowl, are natural reservoirs of avian influenza viruses.
• Transmission of Avian Influenza: Bird-to-Bird, Bird-to-Human, Human-to-Human.
• Mortality and Pandemic Potential:
  • Mortality rates can reach up to 60%.
  • Avian influenza is not currently listed on the WHO’s priority list of pathogens with pandemic potential.

Initiatives taken:

• Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS): WHO- global laboratory system that identifies and monitors strains of circulating influenza viruses, and provides advice to countries on their risk to human health and available treatment or control measures.
• World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH): An international organization that collaborates across nations to enhance animal health.
• National Action Plan for Prevention, Control, and Containment of Avian Influenza (revised in 2021): Outlines the steps to manage a confirmed Notifiable Avian Influenza (NAI) outbreak.

Source: DTE

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Previous Year Question

H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]

(a) AIDS
(b) Bird flu
(c) Dengue
(d) Swine flu

Answer: (d) 

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