Bird Flu Alert In Amethi District, Uttar Pradesh

A highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in Amethi; as many as 750 birds culled.

A threat of bird flu outbreak has lead to culling of over 750 birds, including chicken, ducks and pigeon in Amethi district, Uttar Pradesh (UP).

State government issued a highly pathogenic avian flu alert across UP. Alok Ranjan, Chief Secretary ordered culling of birds in the wake of the bird flu outbreak. The government has issued orders to hold disinfection activities wherever birds were killed.

Avian Influenza / Bird Flu-Causes-Symptoms-Treatment- FAQs
Bird flu (avian influenza/avian flu) is a disease caused by an influenza virus (H5N1) that primarily affects birds but can infect humans also.

Jagat Raj, Amethi district magistrate, said, “ Nine rapid response teams are currently culling the birds and burying them in order to contain the spread of avian flu which can also spread to humans. These operations are being conducted over night to minimize the exposure to people.”

A total of 350 chickens and ducks died mysteriously in villages of Shuklaganj area of the district, between March 6 and 7. The residents could not figure out the cause of death. Local veterinary department gathered the samples and sent them for confirmation, the lab report confirmed highly pathogenic avian flu virus in Amethi, triggering immediate action from the government.

Dr. Vinod Kumar, District veterinary officer, said, “ only a limited area search has been conducted so far, in which two villages were found to be infected.”

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Source-Medindia

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