Authorities on alert after bird flu detected in 5 distts,
Cases spreading at alarming rate, more than 1,400 birds have died in state so far
JAIPUR: The spread of aviation influenza (bird flu) in birds has been detected in five districts of Rajasthan, even as samples of dead birds have tested positive for the flu in two more districts – Sawai Madhopur and Jaipur, officials said on Wednesday.
The samples from Jhalawar, Kota and Baran districts have already been confirmed for the bird flu. The test report identifies Avian Influenza subtype H5N8 in the birds, which according to experts, is less infectious.
The death of birds is spreading at an alarming rate as the tally reached 1,458 in the state.
The report of 33 chickens found dead in Raghunathpura village of Bundi district brought the animal husbandry department in action, but later it was found that the cause was toxicity. However, as precaution, the department has asked to take random samples from poultry farms.
Agriculture Department, Principal Secretary, Kunji Lal Meena said a video conference was held with poultry farm owners and associations. In the meeting it is directed that wherever there is a farm, a Whatsapp group will be created, they will be updated daily– there are around 2500 poultry farms in Rajasthan. The rapid response team in every district has been constituted, which comprises of 4-5 doctors.
He said the collectors are asked to hold regular review meetings. Currently, there are no cases found in poultry farms and only there in crow. “There is no need to panic but precautions are taken,” he said.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has directed to maintain special vigilance in view of the death of crows and other birds due to avian influenza. He asked to lay special focus on dense bird sanctuaries, Sambhar Lake and other wetlands.
Meanwhile the union environment Ministry has also written to the state chief secretary and chief wildlife warden asking them to constitute monitoring committees for avian influenza as an action plan was being prepared for monitoring migratory birds across the country.
The Centre has advised the states to collect samples of migratory, dead birds with utmost caution and under scientific supervision. The surveillance should not be restricted to the protected areas alone and should be extended to all wetlands and habitats that host migratory birds and areas with any possibility of interaction of migratory and poultry birds, the advisory said.
Deputy leader of Opposition, Rajendra Rathore in a letter to GOI has demanded to send a team of experts and release sanctions to setup RT-PCR laboratory in Rajasthan.