The spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or the avian flu in the mainland Antarctica and sub-Antarctica has raised concerns over further spread of the disease in the adjacent countries of New Zealand as well as dozens of island-nations in the Oceania.
The viral disease has claimed the lives of millions of birds worldwide.
Source: Down To Earth
About Avian Influenza or Bird Flu:
It is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds, particularly wild birds and domestic poultry.
In 1996, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus was first identified in domestic waterfowl in Southern China. The virus is named A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996.
Human cases of H5N1 avian influenza occur occasionally, but it is difficult to transmit the infection from person to person. As per World Health Organisation(WHO), when people do become infected, the mortality rate is about 60%.
It can range from mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, and muscle aches, to severe respiratory issues like pneumonia, difficulty breathing, and even cognitive problems such as altered mental status and seizures.
Its initial outbreak in India occurred in 2006 in Navapur, Maharashtra.
India\'s approach to controlling Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) follows a \"detect and cull\" policy as outlined in the National Action Plan for Prevention, Control, and Containment of Avian Influenza (revised - 2021)