Jaipur: Bird flu alert has been seen in Jhalawar in Rajasthan after confirmation of the presence of dangerous virus in dead crows, more avian deaths have occurred in other districts including Jaipur. Principal Secretary of Animal Husbandry Department, Key Lal Meena told reporters on Sunday that bird flu deaths have been reported mainly among crows, most of them from Kota and Jodhpur divisions.
He said that the Animal Husbandry Department has set up a state-level control room and sent its teams to the districts for effective monitoring.
Seven crows were found dead in the iconic Jal Mahal on Sunday, which was 252 in the state.
Principal Secretary of Animal Husbandry Department, Key Lal Meena told reporters on Sunday that bird flu deaths have been reported mainly among crows, most of them from Kota and Jodhpur divisions.
“The virus is dangerous and necessary guidelines have been issued. All field officers and poultry farm owners have been asked to be vigilant. Meena said effective monitoring has been ensured at all locations, especially in wetlands, Sambhar Lake, and Kaila Devi Bird Sanctuary.
He said that on 25 December the death of the crow was reported from Jhalawar. Their samples were sent to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal and the bird flu virus was detected.
Thus far 100 people have died from Jhalawar, 72 from Baran, 47 from Kota, 19 from Pali, seven from Jodhpur and seven from Jaipur.
Department Secretary Arushi Malik said that the guidelines of the Center are being followed and an alert has been issued in all the districts.
“The situation is not alarming, but we are vigilant, making sure that the virus does not enter domestic animals. The guidelines are being followed and the dead animals are buried as instructed, ”said Additional Director Bhavani Rathore.
He said that 75 samples have been sent from different places for testing.
Chief Wildlife Warden ML Meena said that the department has put an alert, and field staff has been asked to be more vigilant.
He said avian influenza has been confirmed only in Jhalawar, but instructions have been issued to track every instance, especially near water bodies.