NCERT Notes on important GK topics for the UPSC civil services exam, NDA, CDS, CAPF, AFCAT. This article is about Bird Flu aka Avian Influenza, its types, how it spreads and other important details. Check Other NCERT Notes Here
Bird flu, also known as Avian influenza (AI), is a viral infection that can infect not only birds, but also humans and other animals. The influenza affects several species of food-producing birds like chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc. as well as pet and wild birds. Previously in 2019, India was declared free from Avian Influenza (H5N1). Also Read Expected GK Questions with Explained Answers
Avian Influenza viruses are grouped into three types; A, B, and C. Only type A is known to infect animals and is zoonotic, meaning it can infect animals and also humans. Type B and C mostly infect humans and typically cause mild disease.
Avian influenza virus subtypes include A(H5N1), A(H7N9), and A(H9N2).
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1), which is a deadly virus, occurs mainly in birds and is highly contagious among them.
There are various modes of transmission of human influenza including inhalation, direct or indirect contact etc. can have manifestations ranging from mild to severe or fatal disease.
The first outbreak of human infection by avian influenza viruses (H5N1) was observed in 1997 in Hong Kong.
China in June 2021 has reported the world’s first human case of the H10N3 Bird Flu.
Also Read: NCERT Notes on Important GK Topics for UPSC CDS NDA AFCAT Written Exam
