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The Jharkhand government has sounded an alarm following the discovery of bird flu cases at a state-run poultry farm in Ranchi, prompting swift action to contain the spread of the infectious disease. As a precautionary measure, authorities culled a total of 2,196 birds, including chickens, and destroyed nearly 1,700 eggs at the Regional Poultry Farm in Hotwar.
Samples taken from the affected birds confirmed the presence of H5N1, a strain of avian influenza A virus known to cause illness in birds. The diagnosis was validated by the ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal, further escalating concerns over the outbreak.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying instructed the state to undertake comprehensive measures to combat the disease’s spread. Immediate actions, including identifying infected areas, enforcing restricted access, culling birds, and ensuring proper disposal of carcasses, are being implemented rigorously.
Authorities have delineated a one-kilometer radius around the outbreak site as an infected area, with a ten-kilometer surveillance zone established to monitor potential spread.
The Animal Husbandry Department has issued advisories urging the public to report any instances of deceased birds promptly. Additionally, awareness campaigns are underway to educate the populace about the signs and symptoms of avian flu and preventive measures.
Avian influenza, or bird flu, primarily affects poultry and is caused by specific strains of influenza viruses. Symptoms often mimic those of other respiratory illnesses, necessitating prompt medical attention for severe cases. Prevention measures include avoiding sick birds and adhering to standard hygiene practices akin to those recommended for COVID-19.
