Introduction
The selected article “Bird flu found in backyard flock” encompasses the topic of the respiratory system, thus making it an ideal article on the biological issue of communicable diseases. This article describes the avian type of influenza and its principal modes of transmission, such as contact with infected clothing, beddings, and poultry. It also illustrates the need for collaboration between the medical staff and the veterinarians to combat the issue. The author elaborates that those increased infections among the birds have led to a rise in human transmissions, as in Michigan. Further, the article discusses how the condition can be managed and controlled spread among birds and human beings. It, therefore, can be concluded that the article exclusively covers all aspects of its title.
Comments on the Article’s Main Aim
The article aims to provide knowledge to readers, more so students like me who need to be equipped with knowledge regarding avian influenza. The authors of this article used simpler, factual and precise language to present their point of how the condition is transmitted and how best to control its spread. Also, apart from providing valuable information to students, it provides ideas to researchers on preventive measures such as observing hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment, especially when handling birds. The facts mentioned provide novel regenerative techniques that could drastically improve the outcome of the efforts to eradicate influenza. Therefore, it can be summarized that the authors of this article progressed in formulating a document that can easily be understood and provided insights that can be utilized in future discoveries.
The Relation of the Topic Raised in the Article to the Course Syllabus
Throughout the course work, I have learned about communicable infections. These diseases can be passed from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact, saliva, respiratory droplets, contaminated beddings, clothes, and surfaces. Such conditions include avian influenza, and as the article describes, the primary source is poultry. The disease is categorized as an emerging disease among humans, and as stated in the article, it is not a condition that is of public concern (The Detroit News, 2022). It is spread by influenza type A, and some of the strains can bypass the species barrier and cause infections to others, such as pigs and humans. This, therefore, puts the farmers, butchers, and people close to them at risk of being infected. The article elaborates on various means of protecting individuals. As learned in class, observing protection measures such as protective equipment and limiting contact with infected animals play a significant role in its control.
Comments on the Main Part
As mentioned before, the article focuses its discussion on Avian influenza, a viral disease that affects the respiratory system. The condition is not a severe threat to human beings, but it can cause asymptomatic or severe infections when contracted. From the article, it is evident that there is a surge in the cases among humans. The main birds identified as the carriers include the geese, tundra swans, snowy owls, and mute swans (The Detroit News, 2022). This illustrates that these viruses can be in both wild and domestic birds. To contain the rise and spread, as discussed by the article, there should be adequate measures to prevent contact between home birds and the wild ones, which are considered the primary sources. It is clear that the department of agriculture, through the fraternity of veterinarians, has a role in containing this disease. All infected animals that cannot be treated should be destroyed and their remains disposed of carefully and safely to ensure the safety of other birds and the people.
The Implication of the Article
It is becoming clear that though initially avian influenza, its spread has been rising in recent days. The article outlines those measures to ensure the infection rate is controlled. Various measures should be laid out to ensure no contact between domestic poultry and wild birds (The Detroit News, 2022). Apart from the above approach, the leading carriers assess individual preventive measures such as using protective equipment when dealing with poultry and maintaining hand hygiene.
Conclusion
In conclusion, avian influenza is a viral condition that primarily infects birds. It is caused by influenza A viruses, and some variants have the potential to cross the species barrier and affect humans and pigs. In avian influenza affects the respiratory system and results asymptomatic or severe infestations. The disease is on the rise, and adequate measures need to combat the spread. This includes measures such as strict adherence to hand hygiene. Poultry farmers should be educated in using protective equipment to ensure they do not get infected when handling the birds. The article educates the readers and encourages them to limit contact with wild birds.
Reference
The Detroit News. (2022). Michigan agency: Bird flu found in a backyard flock. Detroit News. Web.