Bird flu confirmed in 7 states; test results of Delhi, Maharashtra samples awaited
After confirmation of avian influenza (bird flu) positive samples in poultry (two poultry farms) of Panchkula district of Haryana, the state government has deployed nine Rapid Response team, and containment operation is underway in both the epicen...
By ET Bureau | Updated:
ANI
Samples of crow/wild birds have been confirmed for avian influenza from Surat district of Gujarat and Sirohi district of Rajasthan.
The Centre, on Sunday, has stepped up surveillance after it confirmed outbreak of avian influenza, across seven states – Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Following deaths of more than 100 crows, Delhi is also on high alert. The Ghazipur poultry market has been shut for 10 days while import of live birds into the city has been banned.
“There have been reports of deaths in Delhi, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh also. While no sample has been confirmed positive in wild birds from Chhattisgarh, test reports from Delhi and Maharashtra are awaited,” said a senior animal husbandry ministry official, who did not wish to be identified.
The Centre has asked state governments to ensure effective communication and coordination with health authorities for close vigilance on the outbreak and to avoid any chances of the disease spreading to humans.
“States have been asked to increase surveillance around water bodies, live bird markets, zoos and poultry farms. Veterinarians should take special care while disposing carcass and biosecurity in poultry farms has to be strengthened,” the Centre told states in an advisory.
The central teams formed for monitoring the situation are visiting the affected sites. Haryana has deployed nine rapid response teams in the affected areas, where control and containment operation is underway.
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“One of the central teams reached Kerala on January 9, 2021 and is presently monitoring the epicentre sites and conducting epidemiological investigation. Another central team reached Himachal Pradesh on January 10, 2021and is undertaking a survey in the affected areas,” the Union fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying ministry said in a statement.
Samples of crow/wild birds have been confirmed for avian influenza from Surat district of Gujarat and Sirohi district of Rajasthan.
“Further, reports of unusual deaths of 86 crows and 2 egrets were received from Kangra district (Himachal Pradesh),” the statement said.
