NEW DELHI: Delhi on Monday became the ninth state to confirm bird flu cases in India.
Testing of eight samples sent to a Bhopal-based laboratory has confirmed bird flu in Delhi, officials said on Monday.
All eight samples -- four from a park in Mayur Vihar Phase 3, three from Sanjay Lake and one from Dwarka -- have been found positive for avian influenza, Dr Rakesh Singh from the animal husbandry unit of the Development Department said.
All you need to know
1 9 states
Besides Delhi, the disease has been confirmed in Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.
2 Government asks zoos to submit daily reports
Govt asks zoos to submit daily reports
The government has directed zoo managements to submit daily reports to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) till their area is declared free from the disease.
The CZA, under the environment ministry, issued an office memorandum saying avian influenza is a scheduled disease under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, and reporting such a disease is obligatory for taking appropriate preventive measures against its spread.
3 What is bird flu?
Not all avian influenza viruses can affect humans. However, some can cause severe disease in them. Avian influenza H5N8 virus, commonly known as bird flu, is one of them. It attacks the lungs, nose and throat. It's a contagious respiratory illness and has symptoms similar to common cold.
4 Symptoms
- Initial: Sore throat, sneezing, runny nose
- Later stage: Fever, muscle pain, body chills, sweating, headache, dry cough, nasal congestion, fatigue
5 High risk groups
- Children under age of 2 and adults over 6
- Those with co-morbidities
- Women who are pregnant or have recently given birth
6 How to stay safe
- Avoid source of exposure like coming in direct or close contact with infected poultry
- Avoid consuming uncooked or partially cooked chickens or eggs
- Cooking at high heat kills the virus
- If in direct contact with birds, influenza antiviral drugs can be taken as a preventive measure
7 Bird flu outbreak dents chicken, egg sales
Broiler chicken prices in India have fallen by almost a third in a week with consumption dropping after an outbreak of avian influenza was reported in six states, industry officials told Reuters.
"Demand has fallen nearly 30%," said Uddhav Ahire, chairman of Anand Agro Group, a poultry company based in the western city of Nashik.
Broiler chicken prices have fallen to 60 rupees ($0.8192) a kg from around 90 rupees a week ago, he said, adding that farmers are incurring losses as the production cost is more than 75 rupees.
Egg prices have also fallen by more than 10% in a week as small farmers try to sell their produce as quickly as possible, fearing a further drop in prices, said a poultry farmer who declined to be named.