Swine Flu vs Bird Flu

Swine flu:

Swine flu or influenza is an acute, febrile respiratory disease of swine with high morbidity and low mortality. It is commonly known by the name of swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu. The etiology of hog flu is a Type A Influenza virus which belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family. Swine influenza is transmitted primarily pig-to-pig by the nasopharyngeal route. Nasal secretions are laden with virus during the acute febrile stage. The virus is easily carried and spread by avian species, particularly waterfowl, and humans. Care should be taken to prevent spread from and between birds and humans to swine.

Bird flu or avian influenza is a type of respiratory infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses and it also belong to Influenza A category alike swine flu. These influenza viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian influenza is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.

Difference between swine flu and bird flu:

1. Bird flu originates in the birds whereas the swine flu originates in the pigs.
2. The mortality rate in case of bird flu is very high whereas swine flu results in high morbidity but low mortality.
3. Bird flu transmission occurs through direct contact with secretions from infected birds, excretion especially feces and contaminated feed, water, equipment and clothing whereas the swine flu virus is usually transmitted by aerosols over a short distance.
4. Few strains of bird flu are more fatal as compared to swine flu.
5. Antiviral drugs and flu vaccines are the only means of treatment in case of bird flu whereas supportive therapy and antibiotics are preferred treatments for swine flu.
6. Diagnosis of Swine Influenza can be based on clinical signs, virus isolation, histopathological confirmation of lesions, paired serology, and antigen detection whereas bird flu is diagnosed as per symptoms.