Why in News?
With Maharashtra reporting India’s first case of avian influenza among animals, the Union Animal Husbandry Ministry sent a circular to all States.
Avian Influenza
Avian influenza is another term used for bird flu. This highly contagious viral infection is caused in birds and poultry. H5N1, which first originated in Southern China in 1996, is highly pathogenic.
- Effects in Human
- It is primarily a disease of birds, but certain strains such as H5N1, H5N8 have demonstrated the ability to infect mammals.
- Mortality Rate
- Mortality from this virus stands at approximately 60% of its infected population.
