Bird flu scare: Centre issues advisory to states

Jan. 6: The Centre on Wednesday said that Avian Influenza, or the bird flu outbreak, had so far been reported at 12 epicentres across four states — Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Further, the Centre also issued advisories to contain further spread of the infection. Bird flu is a highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds caused by the H5N1 influenza virus, which can occasionally infect humans as well.

Close to 25,000 birds have died due to different variants of bird flu in states like Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh even as the Centre has issued alert to the states to monitor the health of birds in forest areas and near water bodies. Forest department officials said the source of bird flu was migratory birds. In Kerala, about 20,000 ducks have died in past one week whereas in Himachal close to 3,400 migratory birds died in the past fortnight.

Union animal husbandry, fisheries and dairy minister Giriraj Singh said, “In some places there have been reports of migratory and wild birds dying from bird flu. Cook the meat and eggs completely before eating. There is nothing to worry. All possible help is being given and states have been alerted.” The Union Ministry of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry have asked other states to keep a vigil on any unusual mortality amongst birds.