Source: BS
Context: Brazil, the world’s largest chicken exporter, reported its first case of bird flu on a commercial poultry farm, raising alarms over global poultry supply chains.
About Bird Flu:
- What is Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)?
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- Bird flu is a viral infection caused by influenza Type A viruses, primarily affecting birds, but it can also infect mammals, including humans.
- Symptoms:
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- In birds: Sudden death, respiratory distress, swelling, reduced egg production.
- In humans (rare): Fever, cough, sore throat, respiratory issues, sometimes leading to severe complications or death.
- Transmission: Spreads via direct contact with infected birds, droppings, or contaminated surfaces.
- Zoonotic: Can cross species barrier, typically bird-to-human.
- Limited human-to-human transmission reported globally (CDC), but not yet in the US.
- Other Affected Species:
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- Detected in cats, dogs, dairy cows, sheep, and some wild mammals.
- Notably, house cats and livestock have shown increasing vulnerability in recent outbreaks.
- Vaccine Availability:
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- No approved human vaccine exists currently.
- Poultry vaccines are available and used in countries like France and the US to curb outbreaks.
