 "What is a Bird Flu or Avian Influenza?")
Bird Flu
What is a Bird Flu or Avian Influenza?
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is an infectious viral disease of birds, especially wild waterfowls such as ducks and geese. It is a viral infection that primarily infects birds, including chicken, other poultry, and wild aquatic birds.
This highly-contagious disease spreads from infected birds to other winged creatures through contact with nasal, and respiratory secretions and also due to contamination of feed and water. Bird flu virus is sensitive to heat, and dies at cooking temperatures.
The first incident of bird flu infection occurred in Hong Kong in 1997.
Bird flu: Why is it in news
Thousands of birds have died due
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Latest Updates on Bird Flu
US ends $590 mn Moderna deal to develop bird flu vaccine using mRNA tech
The US has cancelled its $590 million contract with Moderna for a bird flu vaccine, citing safety and ethical concerns over mRNA technology, sparking debate among experts and public health officials
 "US ends $590 mn Moderna deal to develop bird flu vaccine using mRNA tech")
Brazil confirms first bird flu case on farm, raising global supply fears
The disease has spread around the globe in the past years, leading to hundreds of millions of poultry being culled. It has also been reported in dairy cows, cats, and humans
 "Brazil confirms first bird flu case on farm, raising global supply fears")
Bird flu in humans, pets and cattle: Why virologists fear an H5N1 pandemic
As H5N1 bird flu spreads across species in the US, global experts warn that ongoing mutations, cross-species infections, and rising human cases could push the virus closer to sustained transmission
US sees 1st outbreak of H7N9 bird flu since 2017; egg prices at record high
The spread of avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has ravaged flocks around the world, disrupting supply and fuelling higher food prices
 "US sees 1st outbreak of H7N9 bird flu since 2017; egg prices at record high")
Bird flu: K'taka administration carries out mass culling in three districts
Cases of bird flu among poultry birds have been reported in Manvi taluk of Raichur, Chikkaballapur taluk of Chikkaballapur and Sandur taluk of Ballari districts
President Trump's team weighs pulling funds for Moderna bird flu vaccine
The bird flu shot contract was awarded to Moderna in the Biden administration's final days, sending the company's stock up 13 per cent in the two days following the Jan 17 announcement
 "President Trump's team weighs pulling funds for Moderna bird flu vaccine")
US agriculture dept tries to rehire fired workers tied to bird flu response
The workers were among the thousands of federal employees eliminated on the recommendations of billionaire Elon Musk 's Department of Government Efficiency
 "US agriculture dept tries to rehire fired workers tied to bird flu response")
Egg and chicken prices fall nearly 7-10% in February on oversupply woes
Egg exports saw a 16 per cent year-on-year drop in volume terms from April to November, says commerce ministry
 "Egg and chicken prices fall nearly 7-10% in February on oversupply woes")
Bird flu outbreak: Teams deployed, control room set up in Andhra's Eluru
A toll-free number and a command control center have been set up for reporting poultry deaths, and 20 Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to address the situation
100,000 eggs stolen in Pennsylvania, police scramble to solve unique heist
The stolen eggs, worth approximately $40,000, were stolen from a warehouse on February 1. Days after the theft, investigators are still searching for leads
 "100,000 eggs stolen in Pennsylvania, police scramble to solve unique heist")
After bird flu outbreak, Maha village, nearby areas declared 'alert zone'
The movement of live and dead hen, eggs, chicken, bird feed, ancillary materials and equipment have been prohibited in the zone
Investigation confirms bird flu as cause of cranes' death in Jaisalmer
On January 11, the bodies of six cranes were found in the pond area of Degrai Oran, followed by the discovery of two more dead cranes on January 12
US reports first death from bird flu in Louisiana, say health officials
Health officials have said the person was older than 65, had underlying medical problems and had been in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock
 "US reports first death from bird flu in Louisiana, say health officials")
Bird flu mutation detected in Louisiana patient, risk low: US health agency
Is this an indication that we may be closer to seeing a readily transmitted virus between people? No, Osterholm said. Right now, this is a key that sits in the lock, but it doesn't open the door
Bird flu virus shows mutations in first severe human case in US: CDC
Last week, the United States reported its first severe case of the virus, in a Louisiana resident above the age of 65, who was suffering from severe respiratory illness
USDA orders nationwide testing of milk supply for bird flu to halt virus
Raw or unpasteurised milk from dairy farms and processors nationwide must be tested on request starting December 16
 "USDA orders nationwide testing of milk supply for bird flu to halt virus")
US spots first H5N1 bird flu case in a pig, raising concern for humans
The infection was confirmed in a pig kept on a backyard farm in Crook County, Oregon, the US Department of Agriculture said Wednesday
 "US spots first H5N1 bird flu case in a pig, raising concern for humans")
Odisha govt culls over 11,700 chicken, health dept issues alert on bird flu
After mass deaths of chickens at a local poultry farm in Pipili, culling began on Saturday and was completed on Monday evening
Culling, surveillance but no vaccine strategy to fight 'bird flu'
Experts said as India falls on the one of main pathways that migratory birds take to move between continents, its water bodies are always prone to the spread of influenza from birds
 "Culling, surveillance but no vaccine strategy to fight 'bird flu'")
Exposure to pigeons can lead to chronic lung diseases: Delhi hospital study
Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram hospital has established a link between prolonged exposure to pigeons and severe lung diseases
 "Exposure to pigeons can lead to chronic lung diseases: Delhi hospital study")
