SPREADING OF SWINE FLU

The spread of swine influenza in the United States create worldwide scare recently. Transmitted by airborne droplets from an infected person's sneeze or cough, or from germs on hands, or germ-laden surfaces, the swine flu virus mutates so that it can infect humans and be spread by humans. Even though most cases of swine flu reported from around the world were mild infections, nearly 100 patients dies in Mexico because of the flue outbreak.

Swine flu is a type A influenza virus that causes respiratory illness in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. What is particularly worrying about the current swine flue injecting pigs and humans is that the H1N1 virus is a genetic mix of swine, human and avian flue strains, a dangerous combination that could elude traditional drug treatments.

The threat of zoonosis, where a disease jumps from animals to humans like HIV, Anthrax, Bird flu, and in thee most instance Swine flu, is growing rapidly. Zoonosis is a category of infectious diseases where the pathogen is able to cross the species barrier from wild or domestic animals to humans. A major factor contributing to the appearance of new zoonotic pathogens in human populations is increased contact between humans and wildlife. This can be cause either by human encroachment in wild areas or by movement of wild animals into areas of human habitations causes due to environmental disturbances.

If environmental disturbances are the reasons for new zoonotic diseases, then it may be possible to predict to some extent the geographical areas of the world where new zoonotic pathogens might jump over the infect humans. This kind of study will allow medical experts toi study the new disease before it spreads to new and more populated areas.

Preventing Zoonotic Diseases:

1. Strictly avoid undercooked/raw meat, unpasteurized dairy products and unwashed vegetables.
2. Limit travel to areas where a new pathogen has been found.
3. Increase farm hygiene.
4. Clean and disinfect transport cages, feed trays and any equipment after each use.
5. Observe domestic animals daily for clinical signs of disease(s) and report abnormalities to help in early veterinary investigation.
6. Immediately move highly endangered or susceptible species to the most secure facilities available within the zoo and keep in isolation.
7. Dispose carcasses to minimize transmission of pathogens to humans or other animals within the vicinity.
8. Decontaminate/disinfect highly susceptible areas.
9. Vaccinate poultry and farm workers compulsorily.
10. Reduce contact between livestock and wild birds.
11. Make available vaterinary vaccines.
12. Ban bush meat and exotic pet trade.
13. Conduct public awareness programmes.