Avian Influenza: Bird flu can be transmitted to humans, says Union Minister

Bird flu in India: The Union Minister of State for Animal Husbandry Sanjiv Balyan on Wednesday raised an alarm regarding avian influenza, also known as bird flu. Sanjiv Balyan said that the bird flu can be transmitted to humans. However, India has not reported any such case in India. He further said that there has been no treatment for the disease even as he urged the state governments to follow the preventive measures that include restriction of movement of birds and also proper disposal of birds. Also Read | Bird flu in India: Over 1800 migratory birds found dead in Himachal, cases in 4 other states Meanwhile, Sanjiv also said that five states including Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala have reported cases of avian influenza. The minister also said that there have been reports of A1 influenza from 5 states - Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala while in Haryana, the flu has been transmitted to poultry even as the virus was found in wild and migratory birds as well. Also Read | Godwit bird sets record for longest ‘non-stop flight’ as it reached New Zealand from Alaska in 11 days It is pertinent to mention that Karnataka has been put on high alert to contain the spread of avian influenza. The administration at the Bodhi check post in the Kote taluk of Mysore-Kerala Border has blocked the entry of poultry from Kerala. The development comes after avian flu has claimed the lives of thousands of ducks in Kerala. Likewise, Kerala and Karnataka have been put on alert since then. Click here to read more articles on Health. -PTC News