Bird flu, often known as avian influenza, is a highly contagious viral infection of birds that has been reoccurring in Nigeria since 2006. Millions of birds have perished as a result, and those who depend on the poultry sector have lost their income. An additional outbreak that began in 2021 is what Nigeria is currently dealing with.
Clement Meseko, a virologist and authority on animal influenza, was consulted by The Conversation Africa to explain the disease's recurrences.
Describe avian flu. How is it dispersed? Is it harmful to people?
Scientifically speaking, bird flu is referred to as avian influenza, and the pathogenic variety is highly pathogenic avian influenza. This illness affects birds, specifically poultry, and is brought on by an influenza virus.
More than 75% of the flock that is affected will perish from it since it is highly pathogenic, which means it damages host tissue and organs.
Ducks and other waterfowl are the disease's natural reservoirs. People may carry the virus even when they don't exhibit any symptoms. Since many ducks and other wild birds migrate, crossing continents, they come into touch with local birds and domestic chickens. Their bodily excretions and secretions could be contaminated with a virus that spreads to other poultry and animals.
Shock death, respiratory distress, coughing, and hemorrhages in tissue and organs are among the signs seen in infected poultry. Both humans and other animals, such as pigs, horses, and dogs, are susceptible to infection.
What needs to be changed in Nigeria?
If the disease's circulation continues and the same strain is discovered, Nigeria can experience an endemic outbreak. The disease will spread to poultry and people if it is continuously present in reservoir hosts.
In that circumstance, biosecurity precautions must be taken more seriously. For instance, in addition to biosecurity, the government may take other precautions. This might involve carefully supervised immunization. Vaccines are available. They have been employed in Egypt, China, and Indonesia with varying degrees of effectiveness. Vaccines do not prevent illness or re-infection; they only lessen the effects of the disease.
The agricultural industry must also implement efficient control methods at live bird marketplaces and in the larger poultry trade. The live bird markets would be reorganized, interspecies breeding would be discouraged, and easily hygienic plastic cages and crates would be introduced. To contain the disease, live bird market environments must be routinely cleaned, sanitized, and decontaminated.
Ornithologists and bird watchers have discovered that during the chilly harmattan season, migratory birds from Europe enter Nigeria every year (November - February). The peak season for avian flu epidemics is here.
In terms of avian flu frequency and burden, Nigeria is the most impacted African nation. As a result, it serves as the final "sink" for any strains that may be present in Europe at any particular time.
It would be up to Nigerian officials to make sure that local birds and people are kept as secure as possible because we can't alter the routes or habits of birds. This would involve keeping an eye on wetlands' wild bird populations and keeping an eye on viral diseases. Early detection is essential for infection management, risk analysis, and early warning systems.
The above article is selected by CoolDeeds.org. The information and the assets belong to their respective owners (https://theconversation.com/bird-flu-nigeria-is-on-major-migratory-bird-routes-new-strains-keep-appearing-201056).
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