Bird flu alert in Delhi

Avian influenza (AI), commonly called bird flu, is an infectious viral disease of birds.

Most avian influenza viruses do not infect humans; however some, such as A(H5N1) and A(H7N9), have caused serious infections in people.

Outbreaks of AI in poultry may raise global public health concerns due to their effect on poultry populations, their potential to cause serious disease in people, and their pandemic potential.

Reports of highly pathogenic AI epidemics in poultry, such as A(H5N1), can seriously impact local and global economies and international trade.

After bird-flu scare in Delhi's zoo and deer park prompted authorities to shut down its premises on 27 Oct., Gwalior Zoo officials in Madhya Pradesh have sent the samples of 15 birds, which died in last three days, for testing for bird flu virus. Earlier in September, India had declared itself free from the highly contagious avian influenza A(H5N1) or bird flu even as it stressed the need for continued surveillance. The Delhi government has, however, appealed the residents not to touch dead birds and instead call its helpline number if they spot any. While the H5N1 virus can infect people, no human bird flu case has ever been recorded in India despite several outbreaks among birds.