Mumbai (Maharashtra): Maharashtra has become the eighth state to confirm bird flu after UP, Kerala, Rajasthan, MP, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat.
A bird flu crisis has erupted in Parbhani district of the state, killing at least 800 birds. Against this backdrop, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will hold a review meeting on bird flu at 5 pm today.
In Nagpur, Mumbai and Latur districts of the state, crows, parrots, chickens and herons died suddenly following which samples have since been sent to an experimental school in Bhopal to investigate the cause of death. Meanwhile, reports of dead chickens in Parbhani have made it clear of the bird flu in Maharashtra.
Order to destroy all hens in Murumba village
Murumba has eight poultry farms with 8,000 hens. Four days ago, 800 chickens died suddenly in two consecutive days. Apart from this, other birds in the village also died in large numbers. In Narayan Chawl area of Parbhani city, three chickens died of an unknown disease.
Therefore, the officials of the Animal Husbandry Department and the doctors of the Veterinary College immediately camped in Murumba village and took samples of all the birds from the village and sent them to the laboratory in Pune.
All villagers to be tested
District Collector Mughlikar has also ordered immediate health check-up of villagers living in Murumba and within 10 kilometres range of the village so that the disease does not spread through the villagers. Also, the sale and purchase of chickens from outside the state have been banned in the district.
Birds die in Nagpur
Bird deaths have been on the rise in Ringnabondi, Miniwada, Masala, Chakdoh and Angewada Shivaras in Kondhali area of Nagpur district for the past few days. A large number of dead birds were found on Saturday under a tree in the field. The cause of death of these birds is not yet clear. Deputy Commissioner of Animal Husbandry Manjusha Pundalik informed that the exact reason will be clear after the reports. However, preliminary estimates suggest the possibility of bird flu.
Crows found dead in Tata Nagar colony in Mumbai
Nine crows were found dead in Tatanagar colony today. Considering the threat of bird flu in the country, samples of these crows were sent for testing, said Assistant Veterinarian Rajesh Chatur. There are various chemical companies in the Washinaka area of Chembur. Pollution in the Chembur area is high as smoke and toxic gases are emitted from these companies. This is having a detrimental effect on the health of citizens and animals.
Chickens slaughtered in Latur
350 hens at Kendrawadi in Ahmedpur taluka were suddenly dead on Saturday. The exact cause of their death was not immediately clear. Veterinary officers have sent samples of dead chickens to a laboratory in Pune for testing. The death of chickens during the talk of bird flu has created an atmosphere of fear among cattle breeders.
What is bird flu?
Bird flu is a contagious disease. The virus started in 1997 on a poultry farm in Hong Kong. Since then, the disease has not left the world. Avian influenza virus (H5N1) causes the disease in birds. So, humans become infected if they come in contact with infected birds. Ignoring this can lead to death if not treated in time.
How is bird flu transmitted?
Birds, including chickens, are naturally infected with the virus. The disease kills a large number of chickens and birds. So, if infected chickens come in contact with birds, they can be infected with bird flu through their faeces, nasal secretions, saliva and through tears
