Bird flu in Karnataka: Chickens test positive for highly contagious H5N8 virus

Bengaluru: The World Organisation for Animal Health on Monday said that India has reported an outbreak of a highly contagious bird flu virus in Karnataka, citing a report from the Indian agriculture ministry. As per the report, the H5N8 virus was detected on 26 December among birds in the village of Dasarahalli near Bengaluru, killing 9 out of 951 birds. The others were culled, the Paris-based OIE said in a report posted on its website. However, no details have been furnished on the type of birds involved. Earlier this month, the Karnataka health and family welfare department initiated awareness campaigns in the surrounding areas after some dead chickens tested positive for the H5N1 virus. According to the World Health Organisation, human infection with the H5N8 virus cannot be excluded, although the likelihood is low - based on the limited information obtained to date. Generally, bird flu virus spreads to humans through contact with infected bird faeces, nasal secretions, or secretions from the mouth or eyes. Therefore, health experts caution to avoid contact with infected birds to prevent getting the disease. In addition, it's best to avoid eating or handling undercooked or raw poultry, egg or duck dishes during an outbreak of bird flu. Source: Times Now