Two outbreaks of
bird flu, the highly contagious and deadly H5N1 strain has been reported in
India in the southern state of Kerla, one killing 15,000 infected ducks in
Kottayam and another 500 in nearby Alappuzha. This is notable because, unlike
most strands of bird flu, humans can catch H5N1. In 2005-2006 an outbreak occurred
which spread to Asia, Africa, and Europe, resulting in the deaths of over 400
humans and millions of birds.
Other strains, such as the
H5N8 strain, which is currently in Europe and resulted in the killing of ducks
and chickens in Germany, the Netherlands, and England are not as serious as
they cannot spread to humans.
Outbreaks in animals
do not always lead to outbreaks in humans, but an outbreak in humans is
potentially deadly. Several vaccines are available and are in the United State’s
national vaccine stockpile for emergency use, but are not a regularly given
vaccine.
Madeleine Bousquet
Reference:
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