Outbreak Of Bird Flu:
As many as 7,000 birds are being culled in Kerala’s Kottayam district following an outbreak of bird flu that has now spread to more parts of the district.
- Avian influenza or bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease caused by Influenza Type A viruses which generally affects poultry birds such as chickens and turkeys.
- There are many strains of the virus – some of them are mild and may merely cause a low egg production or other mild symptoms among chickens, while others are severe and lethal.
- Wild aquatic birds such as ducks and geese are the natural reservoir of Influenza A viruses and the central players in the ecology of these viruses.
