Bird flu confirmed in 7 states, consultation continues for affected cities

New Delhi: After confirmation of avian flu (AI) by ICAR-NIHSAD in samples taken from two poultry companies in Panchkula district of Haryana, Shivpuri, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Agar, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh’s Zoological Park, Kanpur and Cases of avian flu in migratory birds have been reported in Pratapgarh and Dausa districts of Rajasthan.

The department has issued a consultation for the affected states, to prevent the spread of the disease. So far, the disease has been confirmed in seven states (Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh).

There have been reports of unusual deaths of chickens and wild birds in the Balod district of Chhattisgarh state on the night of 08 January 2021 and the morning of 09 January 2021. The state has formed RRT teams for emergencies and samples have also been sent to the designated laboratory.

Apart from this, reports of unusual death of ducks have also been received from Sanjay Lake, Delhi. Samples have been sent to the specified laboratory for testing. Samples of dead crows have been sent to NIHSAD for confirmation of AI from Mumbai, Thane, Dapoli, Parbhani, and Beed districts of Maharashtra.

In addition, the bird-killing operation has been completed in the two affected districts of Kerala, and guidelines have been issued related to the Post Operational Surveillance Program in the state of Kerala. Central teams have been appointed to visit Kerala, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh for the purpose of monitoring the affected areas and have reached central teams to investigate the epidemic in Kerala.

In a letter sent to the Chief Secretaries / Administrators of the States / Union Territories, Secretary DAHD asked State Animal Husbandry Departments to monitor the state of the disease to ensure effective dialogue and coordination with the health authorities and to avoid the possibility of spreading the disease to humans. Has requested. In addition, surveillance around water sources, bird markets, zoos, poultry farms, etc. has been increased, ensuring proper disposal of bird remains and strong biosecurity in poultry farms. States have also been requested to be prepared for any avian flu incident and to ensure adequate stock of PPE kits and accessories for bird-killing operations.

The Chief Secretaries / Administrators have been requested to arrange to issue appropriate advisories for the consumers affected by the rumors and to raise awareness about the safety of poultry or poultry products that are safe to eat after boiling / cooking. The cooperation of DAHD has also been ensured for the states.