The correct answer is b) Avian Influenza (Bird Flu).
Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease of birds that can cause severe illness and death in poultry and other birds. It can also infect humans, but this is rare.
There are many different strains of AI, some of which are more harmful than others. The most common strain in Kerala is H5N1, which is highly pathogenic and can cause rapid death in poultry.
AI is spread through contact with infected birds or their droppings, or through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. It can also be spread through the air, but this is less common.
There is no specific treatment for AI, so prevention is the key. This includes biosecurity measures such as keeping birds away from wild birds, disinfecting surfaces and objects, and vaccinating birds against AI.
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. It can cause severe lameness, fever, and mouth lesions in affected animals.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals. It is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Rabies is almost always fatal in humans.
Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that can affect humans and animals. It is usually transmitted through contact with infected animals or their products, such as milk or meat. Brucellosis can cause fever, fatigue, and joint pain in humans.
In conclusion, the major disease threat to poultry in Kerala is Avian Influenza (Bird Flu).