Bihar: Outbreak of Bird Flu Confirmed in Tegra Village, Munger
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Synopsis
The Health Department of Munger, Bihar, has confirmed an outbreak of Avian Influenza (H5N1) after the discovery of dead crows in Tegra village. Precautionary measures are being implemented to prevent further spread of the virus, including area sanitization and monitoring of poultry farms.
Key Takeaways
- Avian Influenza (H5N1) confirmed in Munger, Bihar.
- Immediate precautions initiated by health authorities.
- Area within a three-kilometer radius being sanitized.
- Monitoring of poultry farms is ongoing.
- Residents advised to ensure poultry products are cooked thoroughly.
Patna, March 26 (NationPress) The Health Department of Munger in Bihar has officially reported the emergence of Avian Influenza (H5N1), widely recognized as bird flu, following the discovery of six deceased crows under suspicious circumstances in Tegra village, situated in the Haveli Kharagpur block.
This concerning situation was validated by Dr. Ashok Kumar, the Assistant Poultry Officer of the Animal Husbandry Department, who indicated that laboratory test results confirmed the presence of bird flu in the deceased birds.
"The results have returned positive for bird flu. Samples were dispatched to the RDDL Institute in Kolkata for analysis after the birds were found lifeless on March 6," stated Dr. Kumar.
In response to this confirmation, the Health Department has initiated prompt precautionary measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Authorities are currently sanitizing the vicinity within a three-kilometer radius of the affected village and have increased monitoring of all local poultry farms and areas where pelicans gather.
Any further dead birds will be monitored and disposed of following the established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
"We are closely monitoring poultry farms. Should any additional birds be found deceased, we will ensure their proper disposal as per the guidelines," Dr. Kumar added.
While advising residents not to panic, Dr. Kumar highlighted the importance of precautionary measures, particularly for individuals consuming poultry products.
He recommended that chicken and meat enthusiasts cook poultry items at temperatures exceeding 100°C to effectively eliminate the virus.
“Utilizing pressure cookers is advisable, as they achieve higher temperatures, ensuring safer consumption. Boiled chicken, meat, and eggs are highly recommended. As temperatures rise with the summer season, the H5N1 virus will naturally decline,” Dr. Kumar reassured.
Previously, on February 18, Jehanabad district authorities confirmed that crows had perished in the police line area due to Avian influenza (H5N1).
On that day, dozens of crows were found dead within the police line premises. Following this, samples were collected and sent to the RDDL Institute in Kolkata.
Laboratory tests in Kolkata confirmed the bird flu infection in the samples.
In addition to Munger and Jehanabad, residents of Harhangi village in Bhojpur district experienced distress after approximately 20 crows were found dead under mysterious circumstances on March 17 and 18, discovered in a teak garden.
Reports regarding the Bhojpur incident are still pending.
Bird flu is a contagious viral disease that can transmit from birds to humans. As a precaution, individuals are urged to avoid contact with dead or sick birds and promptly report any suspicious cases to the relevant authorities.
Furthermore, residents of Harhangi village in Bhojpur district were alarmed after around 20 crows were found dead under unexplained circumstances on March 17 and 18.
The deceased crows were located in a teak garden, and reports on the Bhojpur incident are still forthcoming.
