“Unusual” deaths of birds also reported in Delhi, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh
New Delhi: After confirmation of Avian Influenza positive samples from ICAR-NIHSAD in poultry (two poultry farms) of Panchkula district, Haryana, positive cases of Avian Influenza in migratory birds were reported in Shivpuri, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Agar, Vidisha districts of Madhya Pradesh, Zoological Park, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh and Pratapgarh and Dausa districts of Rajasthan. The Department has issued advisory to the affected States so as to avoid further spread of disease. So far, the disease has been confirmed from seven states (Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh).
Also read: Bird flue spreads to six states, sample from Delhi also sent for testing
Following reports of unusual mortality of poultry and wild birds from Balod district of Chhattisgarh in the night of January 8, and morning of January 9, 2021 the State constituted teams of registered respiratory therapists (RRT) for emergency situation and also sent the samples to designated laboratory.
Further, reports of unusual mortality in ducks have also been received from Sanjay Lake in Delhi. Samples have been sent to the designated laboratory for testing. Samples of dead crows have also been sent to NIHSAD from Mumbai, Thane, Dapoli, Parbhani and Beed districts of Maharashtra for confirmation of AI.
Meanwhile culling operations got completed in both the affected districts of Kerala and Post Operational Surveillance Programme guidelines were issued to the State. Central teams deployed to visit the affected states of Kerala, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh for monitoring and for epidemiological investigation had reached Kerala.
In a communication to the Chief Secretaries and Administrators respectively of the States and Union Territories, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) directed them 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. States were further directed to increase surveillance around water bodies, live bird markets, zoos, poultry farms, proper disposal of carcass, and to ensure strengthening of bio-security in poultry farms. States were also told to be prepared for any eventuality of Avian lnfluenza and were requested to ensure sufficient stock of PPE kits and accessories required for culling operations.
– global bihari bureau
