AHMEDABAD: Even as samples of four dead crows from Modhera and those from live birds in Thol tested negative for avian influenza, the animal husbandry department launched a surveillance in Ahmedabad district.
Mehsana Collector H K Patel said, “With samples from Modhera and Thol testing negative, the administration has heaved a sigh of relief. However, we are not taking any chances. We will continue to carry out surveillance in the district.”
Meanwhile, three birds, including two ibis, were found dead on road dividers in Bawla. The animal husbandry department rushed to the area and collected the carcasses. Their samples will be sent to Bhopal-based laboratory for further investigation.
Department officials said that though no bird death has been reported from Ahmedabad district, the administration is on alert. The district also has two bird sanctuaries: Thol and Nalsarovar. Officials said, "With the help of forest department, the animal husbandry department is keeping an eye out for bird deaths."
“If we find anything suspicious, we will send samples to Bhopal,” said the officer, adding, “Surveillance has also been launched in poultry farms in the city. We are looking for large number of birds with flu-like symptoms.”
The officer said that more crow deaths were reported from Gandevi after there were reports of deaths from Navsari and Chikhli. In Gandevi, on Tuesday, three crows were found dead, creating panic in the region. In the past couple of days, 12 dead crows were found in Chikli taluka and the samples have been sent to the Bhopal lab for testing.