After confirmation of Avian Influenza positive samples from ICAR-NIHSAD in poultry (two poultry farms) of Panchkula district, Haryana, positive cases of Avian Influenza in migratory birds were reported in Shivpuri, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Agar, Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh, Zoological Park, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and Pratapgarh and Dausa districts of Rajasthan.
The Department has issued an advisory to the affected States so as to avoid further spread of disease. So far, the disease has been confirmed from seven states (Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh).
Although till now Maharashtra has not seen any cases but samples of dead crows have also been sent to NIHSAD from Mumbai, Thane, Dapoli, Parbhani, and Beed districts of Maharashtra for confirmation of AI.
Reports of unusual mortality of birds have been received from the State of Chhattisgarh on the night of 08/01/2021 and morning of 09/01/2021 in poultry and wild birds in Balod district, Chhattisgarh. The State has constituted RRT teams for emergency situation and also sent the samples to the designated laboratory.
Reports of unusual mortality in ducks have also been received from Sanjay lake, Delhi. Samples have been sent to the designated laboratory for testing.
Meanwhile culling operations have been completed in both the affected districts of Kerala andPost Operational Surveillance Programme guidelines have been issued to the State of Kerala. Central teams deployed to visit the affected states of Kerala, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh for monitoring and for epidemiological investigation have reached Kerala.
In a communication to the Chief Secretaries /Administrators of the States/UTs, Secretary DAHD requested State Animal Husbandry departments to ensure effective communication and coordination with Health authorities for close vigilance of the disease status and avoid any chances of jumping of the disease into humans. Besides increasing surveillance around water bodies, live bird markets, zoos, poultry farms, etc. proper disposal of carcass, and strengthening of bio-security in poultry farms have to be ensured. States were also requested to be prepared for any eventuality of Avian lnfluenza and were requested to ensure sufficient stock of PPE kits and accessories required for culling operations. Chief Secretaries / Administrators were requested to arrange to issue appropriate advisories to quell consumer reactions, affected by rumors, and increase awareness regarding the safety of poultry or poultry products that are safe for consumption following boiling/ cooking procedures. The DAHD’s support to the states was also ensured.
