AVIAN INFLUENZA: WRITING ON THE WALL

NEW DELHI: “Obviously, this pandemic will not be the last one. As the planet is our common home, the major metaphor to explore is sheltering at this home.” Wise Covid-19 era words from Dr Ten Have, from Duquesne University in the United States. Now, at the start of 2021, these words acquire a special meaning as India witnesses an outbreak of Avian Influenza. Crows are falling down dead in Delhi and Kerala, several hundred migratory ducks, particularly from Central Asia, including the Bar Headed Goose (the world’s highest flying bird) have died in Himachal Pradesh. Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh are on high alert. Last year, cases of Avian Influenza were also detected in the EU, mostly among wild birds. Pandemics are not restricted to humans alone-wildlife can be hit too. What the two have in common is the ‘interference factor’.

A chytrid fungi has been causing an amphibian pandemic in 501 species since the 1970s, not noticed for years. According to the National Geographic, 90 species went extinct and 124 declined by over 90%. The pet and meat trade had a role, it suggests. Several other examples exist. We aren’t clear how the current avian flu exploded, but science tells us to prevent such catastrophes, we must conserve habitats and keep a distance from nature.

There is no evidence that our highways, townships and industrial installations are keeping us safe in the overall scheme of things, because in fact, by displacing biodiversity, such schemes are endangering both the huge financial investment and life itself.