Kathmandu:

Bird lovers need to be careful of avian influenza or bird flu that has caused infections in birds in Asia and Europe. Doctors say avian flu is an infection caused by avian influenza viruses that occur naturally in birds. Wild birds carry the viruses in their intestines but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian flu is very contagious among birds and can make domesticated birds including chickens, ducks and turkeys, very sick and kill them.

In major cities, there are many people who have domesticated different types of birds like parrots mainas, pigeons, chickens and other wild birds. They should be aware that H5N1 (bird flu) can spread easily from one place to another place. We have already noticed the spread of this deadly virus in major cities of India and China.

Bird traders carry birds in cages in major cities including Kathmandu and many bird lovers are attracted to such birds to either just see or buy. It is to be noted that most of the wild birds sold in the cities are brought from India, especially from Patna or Delhi. They can carry such viruses easily which could affect our own domestic birds as well as the poultry business. Bird lovers who buy or keep such birds are most vulnerable to such infections. Similarly people involved in the bird business or traders are also vulnerable to this disease. Thus, it is necessary that bird lovers and traders take precautions.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has mentioned that infected birds shed flu virus in their saliva, nasal secretion, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they come into contact with contaminated secretions or excretions, or with surfaces that are contaminated with the flu virus through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages ) or materials (such as water or feed ) that have been contaminated with the virus.

International trading and trafficking in wild birds profess greater risk of spreading of bird flu. Nepal is also vulnerable as there are many people who love birds and have domesticated many types of birds in their homes and gardens, and many such birds are from India.

There is an interlinking factor between the migratory birds and poultry too. The proper surveillance from government is needed. The majority of the migratory birds do not come in direct contact with poultry birds, but local wild birds like egrets feed on insects in poultry and mingle with migratory birds. Many wetlands as well as other protected areas in Nepal are popular stopover for migratory birds. The government needs to carefully manage necessary surveillance of migratory birds as well as bird in trade. People getting information on sick birds should also inform to the Department of Livestock Services. Such awareness by people on the avian flu is important together with surveillance by respective agencies.

People keeping any types of birds need to be very careful while feeding them and adding more birds to their aviary. While visiting any aviary, there is need to pay special attention as birds kept there might have been infected.

Some European experiences have indicated bird flu virus can infect different animal species including cats, pigs and ducks. Though bird flu has not officially been reported in Nepal, but many wild birds near Koshi Tappu and thousands of chickens in Sarlahi and Western Terai have died due to some unknown bird diseases. Bird lovers need to be cautious and parents should advise their children on avoiding contact with such birds as well as provide them information on the virus issue before visiting any aviary or poultry firm.