Editorial 1 : Does H5N1 pose a threat for humans?
Context
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain has been affecting cattle across several States in the U.S., and for the first time, three cases of human infection in dairy farm workers were also reported, raising fears of the risks of a wider transmission of this virus from cattle to humans.
How dangerous is it?
- The districts of Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, where water bodies, migratory birds, fowls and integrated farms form part of the ecosystem, have reported H5N1 outbreaks in 19 places since April.
- However, the death of crows in large numbers in Alappuzha, and subsequent confirmation of the H5N1 virus in their carcasses have given rise to concerns that the virus could spread far and wide.
- The virus’s jump to some 26 mammalian species, especially cattle and the now emerging proof that it can infect humans, has heightened the threat perception that H5N1 could lead to the next global pandemic.
- Of particular concern are the facts that herd-to-herd transmission of H5N1 is now taking place in the U.S., involving some 12 States and that the virus has been detected in raw milk and in milking machines.
- According to scientists, the virus lacks changes that would make it better adapted to transmit between people and therefore, the risk to human health remains low.
- However, the potential for influenza viruses to rapidly evolve and the wide geographic spread of H5N1 signals that more human infections should be expected.
What is the level of risk to humans?
- The virus seems to spread from birds/animals to humans who may be closely interacting with these, without adequate personal protection.
- According to the WHO, between 2003 and April 1, 2024, close to 900 human infections of H5N1 have been reported from 23 countries, of which, more than half were fatal.
- Even though the risk of human infections from H5N1 is still perceived to be low, this can change rapidly as the virus spreads to more animals, especially cows or domestic mice, which have closer contact with humans.
What are the symptoms of H5N1?
- The common symptoms of H5N1 are similar to those of influenza-A illnesses, including respiratory difficulties, fever, cough, sore throat and pneumonia, all of which can potentially worsen, especially in those who are immunocompromised or have underlying conditions.
- In the U.S., conjuctivitis or pink eye was the only symptom that was reported in one of the farm workers who was infected.
- As of now, in Kerala, as only the poultry has been found affected in all outbreaks, the strategy adopted for containment is the mass culling of birds within a certain radius of the reported infection.
- However, the incident of the mass death of crows has now changed the equation, as it is possible that the infection may have been taken by the crows beyond the current surveillance zone.
- Continuous surveillance by testing environmental samples — water, faecal matter of birds — as well as Influenza-like illness human samples would be necessary in designated surveillance zones.
- People who have livestock and birds at home are being advised to wear masks, and the antiviral Tamiflu is being prescribed as prophylaxis to people wherever H5N1 positive cases are found.
What are the necessary precautions?
- People should avoid unprotected exposure to infected birds or animals or their contaminated environments.
- If at all one has been exposed to a possible H5N1-contaminated environment, they should monitor themselves for new respiratory illness symptoms, including conjunctivitis for 10 days and seek proper medical advice.
- It would be better to ensure that people use only pasteurised milk and poultry meat and eggs should be well-cooked to prevent any possible food-borne transmission of H5N1.
- In a recent editorial, The Lancet, spoke about the need for a robust and coordinated response to H5N1. It pointed out that the concept of ‘One Health’, although often acknowledged, is rarely prioritised and operationalised.
- Kerala, however, has taken ‘One Health’ beyond the conceptual framework and the project is currently being implemented as part of the World Bank-aided ‘Rebuild Kerala’ project in four districts — Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki.
- It has established a community-based disease surveillance network, with 2.5 lakh volunteers trained in the ‘One Health’ concept in these districts, who will report any unusual events or death of animals/birds in a locality so that early warning and early preventive or control measures can be taken.
Conclusion
It’s time that rest of the states to adopt the ‘One Health’ approach to stop the ongoing infections like Kerala.
Editorial 2 : How can Himachal Pradesh fight against forest fires?
Context
Himachal Pradesh (H.P.) is witnessing widespread forest fires across the region. These fires have damaged a total of 17,471 hectares of forest land, resulting in significant loss to wildlife.
How do forest fires start in the State?
- Fires in the Himalayas occur during the pre-monsoon summer period of moisture stress, due to the resultant depletion of snowmelt water.
- The moisture conditions of the pre-monsoon season, characterised by rainstorms, play a critical role in determining the nature of forest fires.
- The less moisture there is, the greater the impact of the fires. Human activities such as unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes etc., are also some of the common causes for forest fires.
- These fires are also a major source of pollutants, including black carbon, which significantly contribute to glacier melt in the Himalayas and negatively influences the regional climate.
- The primary causes of these forest fires are faulty forestry practices, and treating forests from a utilitarian perspective, excluding people’s participation.
Have the Himalayan forests undergone a transformation?
- The Himalayan forests have been systematically transformed over the last two centuries.
- A crucial watershed moment in Indian forestry began with the construction of railways in the 1850s.
- Lord Dalhousie’s understanding about railway construction was that the railways were to be constructed not just to market British goods but also to serve as an outlet for British capital seeking profitable avenues.
- Unfortunately, the profitability of Himalayan forests continue to be a driving force. From 1853 to 1910, the construction of around 80,000 kms of railway track led to an assault on forests and the extinction of the customary rights of the people.
- Between 1869 and 1885, 6.5 million sleepers were made of Deodar, and the area for Chir pines was expanded for timber and resin.
- Resin was used for commercial and industrial applications, and its extraction continues to be a major source of production from pine forests.
- State-managed forestry led to the gradual replacement of the Banj oak, a source of fuel, fodder, and leaf manure, with the Chir pine, which was more valued commercially as a source of timber and resin.
- Ecologically, Banj forests absorb a high content of rainwater, leading to better moisture retention and water springs in the mountains.
What needs to be done?
- Democratisation of forests is essential to ensure that people and communities who have lived in and around forests are made part of the forest management process.
- The rights of the local community have been periodically curtailed, and as a result, when forest fires start, first responders are nowhere to be found.
- The traditional forest rights of Himalayan dwellers included the right to extract wood for fuel, timber, fodder, and other activities. H.P. is under Schedule V of the Indian Constitution, which requires community assent for development activities in the region.
- However, for large projects like hydro power generation, road widening, and four-lane highways, forests are being diverted with ease.
Way forward
- What the Himalayan States now need is to build mixed forestry and remove pine trees; ensure that both scientific and community knowledge converge and forest management is conducted in a participatory manner; implement check dams and other methods to revive water springs; create environmental services at the village level; and articulate their case with the ongoing 16th Finance Commission, seeking help apart from disaster mitigation funds.
