Viral disease of poultry and public health issues

Abstract

The Indian poultry market, consisting of broilers and eggs was worth INR 1,494 Billion in 2017. The market is further projected to reach INR 3,775 Billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 16.5% during 2018-2023. India today is the one of the world's largest producer of eggs and broiler meat. The poultry industry in India has undergone a major shift in structure and operation during the last two decades transforming from a mere backyard activity into a major industry with the presence of a large number of integrated players. However interactions with animals can pose a risk for zoonoses, diseases of animals that can be transferred to humans, leading to infection and disease. Poultry bird also carries some disease risk (Avian influenza, Salmonella etc.) for humans. Mostly the workers and occupationally related persons are at the high risk zone. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus first reported in 1996 in domestic geese. The West nile virus is maintained in a bird-mosquito cycle in nature. In India, Culex mosquitoes are tentatively incriminated as vectors of WNV. Various preventative measures are considered including rearing procedures for poultry, decontamination methods and education of the public.