Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, in India refers to outbreaks of influenza viruses that primarily affect birds. These outbreaks can occur among both domestic poultry (such as chickens and ducks) and wild birds.?
Avian influenza viruses can occasionally infect humans, leading to various degrees of illness, ranging from mild symptoms to severe respiratory distress.In India, bird flu outbreaks are monitored closely by government agencies, such as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Fisheries,?
Animal Husbandry and Dairying, as well as various state-level departments responsible for animal health and agriculture. When outbreaks occur, measures such as culling infected birds, restricting movement of poultry, and implementing biosecurity measures are often employed to contain the spread of the virus and protect both animal and human health.?
The most common strain of avian influenza that affects humans is the H5N1 virus, but other strains, such as H7N9 and H9N2, have also been reported to infect humans in some cases. It's important for authorities to promptly detect and respond to bird flu outbreaks to prevent further transmission and minimize the risk to public health.?
The risk of catching bird flu from properly handled and cooked eggs and milk is extremely low. Bird flu viruses primarily spread through direct contact with infected birds or their droppings, rather than through food products derived from birds.?
Proper cooking of eggs and pasteurization of milk effectively kill the virus, making these products safe for consumption.?However, it's crucial to ensure good hygiene practices when handling raw eggs or milk to prevent any potential contamination from other sources.?
Additionally, consuming undercooked eggs or raw milk carries other food safety risks unrelated to bird flu, such as bacterial infections like salmonella.?Therefore, it's essential to cook eggs thoroughly and use pasteurized milk to minimize any health risks associated with these food products.?