Four states reported bird flu in India , Centre takes precautionary measures 

Delhi, January 8: More than thousands of birds have died due to different variants of birds flu in Harayana, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, prompting the Centre to issue an alert to the states to monitor their health in forest areas and near water bodies.

The Union Ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairy on Monday pointed to migratory birds as a cause for the spread of flu which has triggered an alarm in the North, Central and Southern India. “In India, the disease spreads mainly by migratory birds coming into India during winter months The secondary spread by human handling (through fomites) cannot be ruled out,” said the ministry.

So far, avian influenza has been reported from 12 epicentres of these four states after confirmation of positive samples from ICAR-NIHSAD. “So far, no human case of Avian Influenza has been reported. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare continues to keep a strict watch over the evolving scenario,” the Centre has said.

The government has asked states to strengthen the biosecurity of poultry farms, disinfect the affected areas, and properly dispose of dead birds and carcasses.

The animal husbandry ministry has also asked states for timely collection and submission of samples for confirmation and further surveillance and intensification of surveillance plan. To prevent disease transmission from affected birds to poultry and humans, the ministry has asked states to follow the general prevention guidelines.

“Coordination with the forest department for reporting any unusual mortality of birds was also suggested to the States. The other states were also requested to keep a vigil on any unusual mortality amongst birds and to report immediately to take necessary measures,” the ministry said in a statement.

A control room has also been set up in New Delhi to keep watch on the situation and take stock on a daily basis of preventive and control measures undertaken by state authorities.