In a dismal turn of events, the governments of Rajasthan, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have sounded an alert on bird flu in their states. Hundreds of birds have been found dead due to avian influenza across the four states. Bird flu is a highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds caused by different influenza virus subtypes, which can spread to humans and turn fatal.
The outbreak in Kerala
After bird flu cases were reported in Kottayam and Alappuzha districts in Kerala, a high alert was sounded by the Kerala administration. Officials have ordered the culling of hens, ducks and other birds near the affected areas. Bird flu has been reported from Nedumudi, Thakazhy, Pallipad and Karuvatta. Around 1,700 ducks have died in a duck farm in Nendoor Panchayat limits in Kottayam district. More than 40,000 domestic birds are to be culled in the state to prevent the virus from spreading.
Migratory birds dead in Himachal Pradesh
Over 2,000 migratory water birds have been found dead so far in Himachal Pradesh. The endangered bar-headed goose made up half of the fatalities. Wildlife authorities have confirmed that bird flu caused by the H5N1 virus was the cause of death. Other birds that were found dead were the shoveler, the river tern, the pochard and the common teal.
Rajasthan sounds bird flu alert
Over 250 crows have been found dead in six districts of Rajasthan, and it has been confirmed that the birds died of avian influenza. Fifteen other districts have reported the deaths of domestic birds over the last two days. Samples have been sent for testing and the administration has assured the public that they are monitoring the situation.
Bird flu scare in Madhya Pradesh
Nearly 400 dead crows have been found in the districts of Indore, Mandsaur, Agar-Malwa, Sehore and Khargone. Crow carcasses sent to testing were found to be infected with the H5N8 virus. The administration has asked the officials to keep a strict watch on markets selling poultry and poultry products, farms, reservoirs and sites frequented by migratory birds.
Aquatic birds found dead in Gujarat, samples sent for testing
53 aquatic birds, including herons and comb ducks, were found dead on the bank of the Kharo reservoir in Manavadar taluka of Junagadh district on January 3. Samples taken from the carcasses have been sent for testing.