Bird flu virus detected in four states, Centre issues alert to states

After Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, bird flu virus has now been detected in Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand.  The disease, also known as bird flu, is caused by the avian influenza virus H5N1. If you encounter a wild bird that is dead or dying, do not approach it, and under any circumstances do not touch it given the possibility (however small) that it might be infected with avian influenza. H5N1 is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe illness in people," the Centre warned.

The arrival of bird flu in Rajasthan's capital Jaipur has also alarmed officials. So far, 245 crows have died across the state, including 100 in Jhalawar, 47 in Kota, 72 in Bara, 19 in Pali and 10 in Jalmahal in Jaipur. A team from the Animal Husbandry Department reached Jhalawar to investigate the death of the crows. Upon reaching the spot, the investigation team cleaned the entire premises. According to the protocol, all the dead crows were burnt in the pit so that there would be no risk of infection in the area.

At the same time, 1,700 migratory birds have died in suspicious conditions in Himachal Pradesh's famous Pong Dam area, raising concerns among officials. Most of the birds have died at Jagmoli in Guglada. However, officials say 15 samples from different areas have been sent for testing. Bacterial, pathogen and viral reports will be available in a few days. Until then, we cannot confirm bird flu. But it is feared to be the flu because birds are dying in large numbers.