Bird flu scare after death of 250 crows since December in Rajasthan

Following the death of several crows due to avian influenza in Jhalawar and more suspected cases in other districts, including Jaipur, Rajasthan’s animal husbandry department on Sunday announced the creation of a state-level control room to monitor the situation, officials said.

After scores of crows were reported dead in Jhalawar in December, state authorities sent samples to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal, where avian influenza was confirmed.

Speaking to reporters, principal secretary, animal husbandry, Kunji Lal Meena said that so far, 252 crows were found dead — 100 in Jhalawar, 72 in Baran, 47 in Kota, 19 in Pali and 7 each in Jodhpur and Jaipur; the Jaipur samples came from the iconic Jal Mahal.

The samples taken from Jodhpur, Kota, Baran and Jaipur are being sent to Bhopal for confirmation of avian influenza.

Meena said that the department is alert and poultry farmers “need not worry.”

He said that the treatment of sick birds is being monitored by the animal husbandry and forest departments while the dead birds are being disposed off scientifically.

“The virus is dangerous and necessary guidelines have been issued. All field officers and poultry farm owners have been asked to remain vigilant. Effective monitoring is ensured at all sites, especially in wetlands, Sambhar Lake and Kaila Devi bird sanctuary,” Meena told reporters.

The animal husbandry department has set up a state-level control room and sent its teams to the districts for effective monitoring, he said.

Animal husbandry secretary Arushi Malik said the Centre’s guidelines are being followed and an alert has been sounded in all districts.

She said the department is sending special teams to Kota, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Ajmer divisions.