Context:
Australia reported its 1st human Avian influenza (Bird Flu) infection case.
- It is a big concern as H5N1 virus (a type of avian influenza A virus) is mainly an animal virus that primarily infects animals.
About Avian influenza (Bird Flu):
- Refers to the disease caused by infection with Avian Influenza Type A viruses.
- Influenza A viruses are divided into subtypes on the basis of 2 proteins on the surface of the virus: Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA).
- Categorized into different subtypes such as H5N3, H5N8 etc.
- Also, on the basis of severity, it is categorised in two types: Low Pathogenicity and High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza.
- H5N1 – a High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza.
- Carrier and Transmission – Migratory wild birds especially waterfowl, are natural reservoirs of avian influenza viruses.
In 2023, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has approved India’s self-declaration of freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in specific poultry compartments.
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: The Hindu
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)
