The deadly Avian Influenza is back in India after more than a decade.
The Indian central government on Friday confirmed bird flu or avian influenza in six states: Kerala, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The government has asked the affected states to contain the disease and ordered unaffected states to maintain vigil and report unusual mortality in birds immediately to carry out necessary measures.
An official news release said: “It is learned that culling operations have been completed in both the affected districts of Kerala. The disinfection process is underway.” The release also stated about the confirmation of avian influenza positive samples in two poultry farms, positive samples reported in migratory birds in Gujarat, and in raven in Rajasthan.
The government has directed local authorities to increase the surveillance around water bodies, zoos, live bird markets, and poultry farms. Delhi’s Husbandry department is on high alert due to a rising number of bird flu cases in the neighboring states. Officials also said that around 50 birds, mostly crows have died over the last three to four days in Delhi.
Bird flu was first discovered in India in 2006. The current outbreak comes only a few months after September 2020 when the country declared itself free from the disease.
Avian Influenza, or bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease caused by Influenza Type A viruses, which usually affects poultry birds. There are various strains of the virus, some of them are mild while others are severe.
