Scientist holds migratory birds accountable for avian flu

The bird flu or avian influenza is caused by virus H5N1. It afflicts birds which, in turn, die in large numbers. Unlike other viruses, this does not directly hit humans. Non-veg eaters should ensure that the meat of chicken or duck is boiled at good temperature before eating, says Mariappan, a senior scientist with the Indian Council of Medical Research.

Chennai:Even as the bird flu is spreading rapidly in six states including Kerala, the Centre and the State governments are taking measures on a war-footing. However, the chicken meat market has, of late, witnessed the steepest ever fall. Talking about these developments, Mariappan, a senior scientist with the Indian Council of Medical Research, says birds migrating from foreign countries into India are also responsible for this syndrome. During winter and rainy seasons, the outbreak of avian influenza will be fast and severe, he said in an interview with ETV Bharat.

Question: Will pandemic diseases spread further in Tamil Nadu?

Answer: Of course, there are several diseases threatening Tamil Nadu. But their impact has not been so severe. At a time when the coronavirus infection is set to complete its one year of existence, its impact is not on larger scale comparatively, what with the death rate being lesser. Moreover, 98 per cent cure rate has been recorded. This is the trend all over India. This hopeful trend can be attributed to the fact that because of our unique food habits, we have got a strong immune system. That’s why here the magnitude of losses in the western countries is not witnessed. Moreover, the vaccination against the Covid-19 is almost ready. So, no need for panic any longer.

Question: Is there any advice on desisting from meat because of the bird flu?

Answer: The bird flu or avian influenza is caused by virus H5N1. It afflicts birds which, in turn, die in large numbers. The Centre has said there are reports of the bird flu striking in six states including Kerala, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chhatisgarh etc. Unlike other viruses, this does not directly hit humans. This virus enters into our country through migratory birds and has the potential of attacking birds living in clusters at places such as sanctuaries. Non-veg eaters should ensure that the meat of chicken or duck is boiled at good temperature before eating. Otherwise, the people of Tamil Nadu and Kerala need not be carried away by the rumours of the virus spreading through the meat.

Question: How to ward off diseases in the rainy season?

Answer:Thanks to our Tamil hereditary food habits being maintained well, there are no chances for spreading of infectious viruses like avian influenza. Our people are regularly in the habit of adding garlic, turmeric, pepper etc. to their food items and soups like ‘rasam.’ These ingredients have medicinal properties which increase the immunity power and guard viscera such as lungs.

People in the states which do not follow this kind of immunity-increasing food practices should emulate the Tamil example so they can guard themselves against the virus infection. Non-veg eaters on the rise in other states should consider changing their habit and adopting food practices of medicinal value. Thus, they can acquire immunity. This is my hope.

During the rainy season, diseases such as jaundice, rat fever, dengue, typhoid etc. can be warded off if we follow such food practices as of medicinal importance. Now we have been pushed into a situation where we have to fend for ourselves. So, have no fear over newly spawned diseases; instead, make sure that we take healthy food items which have some medicinal value. I assert with the hope that we can fight diseases successfully with proper and good food items prepared out of naturally bona fide plants and vegetables.