Bird flu reported in Thane poultry farm, officials urge citizens not to panic

The country had earlier reported an outbreak of the contagious H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) virus at a poultry research farm in Bihar, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Considering past instances of bird flu outbreaks in Maharashtra, the animal husbandry commissioner said that officials were on high alert to report any unusual mortality in birds.

However, Singh told The Indian Express, “There is no need for panic”.

The latest case, involving nearly 200 poultry birds, has been reported from village Velhevali at Shahapur tehsil of Thane district. The farm reported the mortality on February 10, following which samples were collected and assessed at the Pune-based Disease Investigation Section, Department of Animal Husbandry, Maharashtra. The samples were also sent to the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal.

“We got confirmation last night that the birds were infected with avian influenza,” said Singh. While there are no lakes or pond around that village which could attract migratory birds, the state commissioner said they were also trying to understand the route of transmission. However, everyone is on alert and measures to contain the spread are in place, said Singh.

“Awareness has brought us real time information… and a team of top officials has been sent to the spot to assess the situation,” he added,

Singh, however, urged citizens not to panic and stressed that containment measures have been taken within one-km distance of the farm. “Arrangements have been made as per protocol towards culling. Sanitisation measures are also in place,” he said.

After the first outbreak of the disease was reported in Nandurbar in 2006, this is the second year in a row when Maharashtra has reported avian influenza cases. Between December and March 2020-21, the state had reported the disease.

As per protocol, all poultry birds and eggs have to be destroyed within a radius of 1 km of the affected area. During the last outbreak, Maharashtra has seen culling of more than 10 lakh birds and destruction of more than 60 lakh eggs. Poultry feed of nearly 83,000 kg was also destroyed to contain the spread.

Farmers were given compensation of Rs 3 crore by the government. However, the industry had suffered massive losses as consumers had stopped consuming chicken and eggs, although properly cooked chicken is safe for consumption.