Bird Flu An Introduction To The Latest Global Health Threat
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Disease Illness.
Bird Flu: Understanding the Latest Global Health Threat
Overview
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global health warning due to a rising threat: avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. Previously limited to birds, this infectious disease is now causing concern worldwide.
What is Bird Flu?
Bird flu is an infectious disease caused by various subtypes of the Influenza A virus. It primarily affects birds like migratory species, ducks, and chickens. Interestingly, pigs and ducks can carry the virus without showing symptoms. Migratory birds, naturally resistant to the virus, can unwittingly spread it across vast distances as they travel internationally.
Origins and Spread
First identified in Italy in 1878 as "fowl plague," bird flu was associated with chickens. It wasn't until 1955 that the Influenza A virus was recognized as the cause. Research reveals that wild waterfowl, especially ducks, are frequent carriers but remain unaffected by the virus. In contrast, many other bird species lack this immunity.
Recognizing Symptoms
Birds with mild avian influenza may show signs such as ruffled feathers and decreased egg production. Severe cases can lead to excessive shedding, respiratory issues, and swollen heads, often resulting in death within 48 hours. This occurs because the virus affects not only the respiratory systems but also other tissues and organs, leading to severe hemorrhaging.
Outbreak History
Bird flu outbreaks have been recorded globally. In the 1980s, they emerged in Scotland, England, Canada, Germany, the United States, Australia, and Ireland. Similar outbreaks continued in the 1990s, involving Italy, Pakistan, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and Chile. Most were small-scale, with highly pathogenic outbreaks being rare.
A significant outbreak occurred in 1997 in Hong Kong, infecting 18 people and resulting in six deaths. The Hong Kong government responded swiftly by culling the entire poultry population of 1.5 million birds. This decisive action likely prevented a pandemic.
Assessing Pathogenicity
To determine the pathogenicity of a bird flu virus, scientists inoculate eight chickens with the virus. If six or more chickens die within eight days, the virus is deemed highly pathogenic. This is often confirmed by identifying a distinct sequence of amino acids at the cleavage site of the virus, known as the HA part of its structure.
Understanding and monitoring bird flu is critical in preventing future outbreaks and ensuring global health safety.
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