Bird Flu now reaches Maharashtra, Delhi; 8 States affected across India so far -

Mumbai, Jan 11: Maharashtra, Delhi, and Uttarakhand are the latest States to confirm bird flu amid nationwide efforts to contain the spread. Seven other states - Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Gujarat - had earlier confirmed Avian Influenza as the cause of the recent bird deaths.

 

 

The Centre said, "Avian Influenza has been confirmed in 10 states of the country. The death of crows was confirmed in the Kotdwar and Dehradun districts of Uttarakhand. In Delhi, crows and ducks, respectively, were reported dead in New Delhi and Sanjay lake areas. Additionally, an outbreak of Avian influenza has been among poultry in Parbhani district while AI is confirmed from Mumbai, Thane, Dapoli, Beed in crows in Maharashtra."

 

It said that ICAR- NIHSAD has confirmed the death of crows and migratory/wild birds in Tonk, Karauli, Bhilwara districts of Rajasthan; and Valsad, Vadodara, and Surat districts of Gujarat.

 

In Haryana, culling of infected birds is underway for the control and containment of the spread of the disease. "A central team has visited Himachal Pradesh and will reach Panchkula for carrying out monitoring the epicenter sites and conducting an epidemiological investigation," the government added.

 

The central government has asked the states to build awareness among the public and avoid the spread of misinformation. It also increases surveillance around water bodies, live bird markets, zoos, poultry farms, etc. along with proper disposal of carcass and strengthening of bio-security in poultry farms.

 

Moreover, maintaining adequate stock of PPE kits and accessories required for culling operations. Secretary DAHD requested State Animal Husbandry departments to ensure effective communication and coordination with Health authorities for close vigilance of the disease status and avoid any chances of jumping of the disease into humans.