THE Centre on Wednesday said, Avian Influenza, or the bird flu outbreak, has been reported at 12 epicentres in four States -- Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh -- and advisories have been issued to contain further spread of the infection in poultry ducks, crows and migratory birds. In a statement, the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying said that other States have been asked to keep a vigil on any unusual mortality amongst birds.

 

The current bird flu outbreak is reported barely a few months after India in September 30, 2020 declared the country free from the disease. India notified the first outbreak of Avian Influenza in 2006. “After confirmation of positive samples from ICAR-NIHSAD (National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases), Avian Influenza has been reported at 12 epicenters,” the Ministry said. In India, the Ministry said that the disease spreads mainly by migratory birds coming into India during winter months .

 

The secondary spread by human handling cannot be ruled out. Centre deploys teams in Kerala, Haryana; MP bans chicken import from southern States: THE Centre on Wednesday deployed multi-disciplinary teams in bird flu-affected areas of Kerala and Haryana, while Madhya Pradesh, where crows have died due to the influenza, banned the entry of chicken consignments from southern States for 10 days as a precautionary measure.