CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -With effect from September 3, the OIE-World Organisation for Animal Health declared the country free of the virus, the Centre’s Animal Husbandry Department informed the states in a letter.

Detailed explanation-2: -1996-1997 H5N1 bird flu viruses first detected In 1996, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus is first identified in domestic waterfowl in Southern China.

Detailed explanation-3: -Transmission of H5N1 from infected birds to humans has been confirmed in Iraq, Egypt, Djibouti and Pakistan. Egypt has been the most affected country in the EMR where the disease has remained endemic, with frequent epizootic and 167 human cases that include 60 deaths.

Detailed explanation-4: -The H5N1 strain has never been reported in Australia. There have been seven outbreaks of other highly pathogenic avian influenza strains (which have not caused disease in humans) in commercial bird flocks in Australia, all of which were successfully eradicated.

Detailed explanation-5: -This is the first human case of influenza A (H5N1) virus reported in the United States of America. Description of the case: On 29 April 2022, the National IHR Focal Point of the United States of America notified WHO of a laboratory confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5), in a male from Colorado State.