Avian Influenza (H5N1) detected in Government Poultry Farm at Bokaro, Jharkhand

Tags: State News

National Institute of High Security Animal Disease (ICAR), Bhopal has confirmed Avian Influenza (H5N1) in samples received from Government Poultry Farm in Bokaro, Jharkhand on 7 February 2022.

An overview of the news

• The presence of the H5N1 variant was confirmed in a protein-rich breed of chicken known as 'Kadaknath' at a farm in Lohanchal.

• The last incident of Avian Influenza was reported in Godda district of Jharkhand during January 2019.

• Areas falling within one km radius have been declared as affected zones and areas within 10 km radius have been declared as surveillance zones.

• The health ministry has sent its central team to observe the surveillance in the human area.

About Avian Influenza (H5N1)

• Bird flu, also known as avian influenza (AI), is a highly contagious viral disease that affects species of food-producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quail, guinea fowl, etc.), as well as domesticated birds and wild animals.

• Avian influenza virus subtypes are A(H5N1), A(H7N9), A(H9N2) and A(H10N3).

• Types B and C mostly infect humans and usually cause mild illness.