Q.Discuss in brief about 'Avian Flu'.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious bird disease caused by influenza A virus strains, of concern because some strains can jump to humans.

Avian flu (bird flu):

• Cause: Caused by strains of the influenza A virus, most notably subtype H5N1, which primarily infects birds (poultry such as chickens/ducks, and wild birds).
• Spread: Spreads rapidly within poultry populations through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, secretions, or contaminated feed/water/equipment. Migratory wild birds can carry and spread the virus across regions.
• Transmission to humans: Although primarily a bird disease, certain strains can occasionally infect humans who have close, direct contact with infected birds or heavily contaminated environments. Human-to-human transmission is rare but is the major pandemic concern with this virus.
• Symptoms (in humans): Fever, cough, sore throat, and in severe cases, pneumonia and acute respiratory distress, which can be fatal. …