H5N1 avian influenza virus
Why in news?
Birds in large numbers have been dying mysteriously in India in recent days. Birds have died in Haryana, Rajasthan, MP, Kerala ,Himachal Pradesh MP etc.
What is the name of the test to know about avian influenza?
RT-PCR testing of samples of dead Bar-Headed geese conducted at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal found all birds positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus, according to the report.
The laboratory at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly had detected avian influenza in the samples of dead birds .
It's deadly to most birds. And it's deadly to humans and to other mammals that catch the virus from birds.
What is RTPCR?
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction is a laboratory technique combining reverse transcription of RNA into DNA and amplification of specific DNA targets using polymerase chain reaction. It is primarily used to measure the amount of a specific RNA
Can avian influenza transmitted to humans?
The disease is transmitted to humans through contact with infected bird feces, nasal secretions, or secretions from the mouth or eyes. Consuming properly cooked poultry or eggs from infected birds doesn't transmit the bird flu .
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