2,726 birds, including 2,708 poultry, found dead in state

A total of 2,726 birds, comprising of 2,708 poultry birds, have been found dead due to avian influenza in Maharashtra. The samples are being sent to National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal and Disease Investigation Section, Pune, for testing. A total of 24,387 deaths of various birds have been recorded till date since the outbreak of bird flu from January 8.

According to the department of animal husbandry, so far 72,301 poultry birds, 44,686 eggs and 63,339 kg poultry feed have been scientifically destroyed from infected zones within a radius of 1 km from the poultry farm.

The government has delegated powers to the district collectors for the prevention and control of bird flu under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009. The local administration has declared the infected zone wherever the reports of deaths of poultry birds and ducks were communicated.

Surveillance work is continued at the places where positive results have been reported in other species of birds excluding poultry. The process of collection of cloacal and oro-pharyngeal swabs, dropping and serum samples of the birds from the 1-10 km radius area from the infected zones will be initiated after issuing the sanitization certificate.

The department has reiterated its appeal saying that consumption of chicken and eggs should not be reduced or stopped by citizens on account of rumours and misconceptions as they are the cheapest source of protein.