Maharashtra on high alert in view of the rising cases of bird flu

Considering the possibility of spread of avian influenza virus or bird flu to humans and other domesticated mals and birds, the Maharashtra Government has directed all 
the Department of Animal Husbandry to take all possible steps in view of the rising cases of avian flu in the bird population.

The migratory bird site near Ujani dam in Solapur district is being monitored, said Anoop Kumar, Principal Secretary in the Department.

This Ministry vide letter dated January 3, 2021, had also forwarded generic guidelines relating to avian influenza to the Chief Wildlife Wardens of all States/UTs and had requested for taking immediate steps for containing the spread of the disease.

Earlier today, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying confirmed avian influenza, cases have been reported from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala.

He added that if in the event of any kind of death of birds, the Department is fully prepared. Its Diseases Investigation Services unit is already carrying out analysis of the throat swabs and faecal matter of birds. But no outbreak has yet been reported in the state, Kumar reiterated.