Avian influenza is a disease caused by the H5N1 virus amongst birds and poultry. It has claimed the life of many birds which had to be culled due to infection. The virus causing this disease in birds on mutation infects human and can prove to be fatal. Figures show that while it has affected only 385 people around the world, 243 have been killed by the deadly virus. According to expert’s warnings a bird flu pandemic is already on the cards but their research shows that there is not enough preparation for combating the same.
Speaking on the issue based on research, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Julie Gerberding said
We are a long way from being fully prepared. We do not have a vaccine that will provide universal protection. We don’t have surveillance in every country. We don’t have control of the virus in animal reservoirs.
Humans have no natural immunity to the avian influenza virus and there hasn’t been any discovery of the vaccine that can protect humans against the virus. While the virus manifests itself mostly in birds, cases of the virus mutating to infect humans have been registered and are majorly fatal. The formulation of a vaccine requires research; however, not much of it is possible due to refusal on the part of countries like Indonesia to provide samples of the strains of the virus. This has not only violated the rules stated by the WHO but also restricted research on the deadly disease. The Indonesian government is reluctant however, saying that the samples can be provided only if they are given access to the drugs.
Via: Yahoo news
Image Credit: notexactlyrocketscience
