JAIPUR: Suspected avian influenza claimed the lives of 626 birds on Tuesday, the highest so far.
According to the report released by the animal husbandry department, 349 crows, 52 pigeons, 22 peacocks and 203 other birds died. With this, the death toll of birds since December 25 stands 3,947 till date.
As per the records, the highest number of bird deaths have been recorded in Jaipur.
An official said, “A total of 686 birds have died in Jaipur followed by 433 birds in Jhalawar. Udaipur has not reported a single bird death yet.”
Chittorgarh has the highest number of bird positive reports. So far, 223 birds have died in Chittorgarh, out of which nine samples of birds was sent to Bhopal lab for examination. All nine samples were found infected.
An official informed bird flu had spread in 16 districts. “Five samples of birds sent from Jhunjhunu district turned positive today, whereas samples sent from Bharatpur and Jodhpur tested negative.” Samples from districts such as Jhalawar, Kota, Baran, Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, Chittorgarh, Banswara, Hanumangarh, Dausa, Pali, Sirohi, Pratapgarh and Jaisalmer have already tested positive.