- Avian influenza confirmed in dead crows in Darbhanga, Bihar, raising concerns
- Bird flu spreads via contact with infected birds, secretions, and contaminated areas
- Precautions include avoiding birds, PPE use, hygiene, cooking poultry properly, and reporting deaths
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has sparked concern in Darbhanga district of Bihar after official confirmation of infection in dead crows and intensified surveillance by authorities. A sudden spike in crow deaths in the Bhigo area led local officials to send bird samples to a laboratory in Bhopal, with results confirming the presence of the highly pathogenic bird flu virus. In response, municipal and veterinary teams have begun safe disposal of carcasses and serological testing of nearby poultry farms.
Bird flu is caused by influenza A viruses, especially highly pathogenic strains like H5N1, which naturally circulate among wild aquatic birds. While these viruses primarily infect birds, they can occasionally spill over to mammals, including humans, through direct and prolonged exposure. Though human infections are rare, they can be severe and life-threatening. Understanding how bird flu spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and the steps to prevent infection is essential for both public health and individual safety. In this article, we explain bird flu in clear terms, drawing on guidance from global health bodies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and outbreak data in India.
What Is Bird Flu?
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a contagious viral disease caused by influenza A viruses that mainly circulate among birds, particularly waterfowl like ducks and geese. Strains such as H5N1 are considered highly pathogenic, meaning they can spread quickly through bird populations and cause significant mortality.
Infected birds shed virus particles in their saliva, mucous, and faeces, making direct contact with sick or dead birds, or contaminated surfaces, the primary route of exposure. In rare instances, people who have close, unprotected contact with infected birds or animal environments have contracted bird flu viruses.
How Bird Flu Spreads
Bird flu spreads most commonly through:
- Direct contact with infected birds or their secretions
- Contaminated environments, such as cages, soil or water
- Handling of poultry or eggs without proper hygiene
Human infections typically arise when enough virus enters the body through the eyes, nose or mouth, or by inhalation of viral particles in high-risk settings.
It's important to note that seasonal influenza vaccines do not protect against bird flu, though they help prevent common human flu and may reduce the risk of dual infection.
Also Read: Bird Flu Outbreak In Darbhanga: Bihar On High Alert
Symptoms Of Bird Flu In Humans
Symptoms can vary widely from mild to severe and may appear between 2 to 8 days after exposure. Common signs include:
- Fever
- Cough or sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue and headache
- Conjunctivitis (eye irritation)
- In severe cases, respiratory distress, pneumonia and multi-organ failure have been reported
Unlike seasonal flu, bird flu infections can progress rapidly and require urgent medical attention, especially in vulnerable groups like the elderly or immunocompromised.
Diagnosing Bird Flu
Healthcare providers will consider exposure history (such as contact with sick or dead birds) alongside symptoms. Testing typically involves collecting respiratory samples and checking for influenza A virus genetic material in specialized laboratories.
Prompt diagnosis is crucial because early antiviral treatment, such as oseltamivir (when recommended by health authorities), may improve outcomes if started early in the course of illness.
Preventive Measures And Precautions
Global health agencies recommend several key precautions to reduce the risk of bird flu infection:
- Avoid Direct Contact with Birds: Avoid handling sick or dead birds, poultry farms, live bird markets, and contaminated environments.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): If contact is unavoidable (e.g., for veterinary or animal husbandry work), use PPE including masks, gloves and eye protection.
- Consistent Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling animals or potentially contaminated materials. Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, mouth and nose.
- Food Safety: Ensure poultry, eggs and dairy products are cooked to safe temperatures (at least 75 degrees Celsius internally). Do not consume raw or undercooked products, and choose pasteurised dairy.
- Report Unusual Bird Deaths: Notify local animal health authorities if you find dead or sick birds. Early reporting can trigger containment actions that protect both animal and human health.
Treatment And Medical Care
For confirmed or suspected human bird flu cases, supportive care in a medical setting is essential. This may include:
- Antiviral medications when recommended by health authorities
- Oxygen therapy for respiratory distress
- Hospitalisation for severe cases
There is no single "cure," and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and complications under clinical supervision. Individuals with underlying health conditions may be at higher risk for severe disease and require close monitoring.
Also Read: Bird Flu Outbreaks In India: How Does Bird Flu Differ From Regular Flu?
Public Health Surveillance And Response
In outbreak situations like Bihar's Darbhanga district, public health authorities coordinate:
- Wild bird and poultry testing
- Safe disposal of carcasses to prevent environmental contamination
- Sanitisation and surveillance of surrounding areas
- Monitoring at poultry farms to limit spread to domesticated birds
Preparedness and rapid response help contain outbreaks before they extend into larger communities.
Bird flu remains an important zoonotic threat that requires vigilance, particularly in regions with ongoing outbreaks like Bihar. While human infections are rare, the potential severity of disease and rapid spread among bird populations make preventive measures critical. By understanding how bird flu spreads, recognising symptoms early, and following expert guidance on precautionary steps, individuals and communities can effectively reduce risks. Public health authorities work continuously to monitor and manage outbreaks, but personal responsibility and timely reporting remain essential to protecting public health.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
