The Hindu Business Line : Virus lifespan is five days

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Avian influenza virus belongs to the family of Orthomyxoviridae under genus Influenza. There are three subtypes, namely A, B and C.

Influenza A has got 15 different H A (H 1 to H 15) antigens and 9 different NA (N 1 to N 9) antigens. Out of these, type H5 and H7 of Influenza A virus have been held responsible for Avian flu in poultry.

The virus has a lifespan of 4-5 days only in air, and can travel a distance of up to 2-3 km. The virus gets killed at temperatures above 56 deg C. It is highly susceptible to disinfectants containing detergents, Iodine, and pH below 5.

The Government of India has set up surveillance teams against the spread of the affliction. All imports that can possibly engender the entry of this virus have been banned. It has set up helpline telephone numbers at 011- 26892731 (Department of Animal Husbandry) and 098111-72777 098110-61516 (Poultry Federation of India).

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