A mass death of over 100 crows in Barna village of Chipura Panchayat under Sampatchak block has triggered a bird flu scare in the region. Local residents reported seeing dozens of birds struggling on the ground on Tuesday afternoon before they died. The Animal Resources Department has responded by sanitizing the area and collecting carcasses following strict bio-safety protocols to prevent further contamination.
Current Situation and Official Action
The Block Animal Husbandry Officer, Surendra Mishra, confirmed that bird samples have been sent to the Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Kolkata. If initial tests are positive, they will be sent to Bhopal for detailed strain identification. This incident follows a series of bird deaths in areas like Kankarbagh and Bhagalpur, where the H5N1 strain was previously identified in over 400 crows.
The outbreak has already impacted the Bihar Animal Sciences University poultry farm, resulting in the culling of over 6,000 chickens. Health officials are now monitoring residents living within a 1-km radius of the infection sites for any flu-like symptoms, although no human cases have been reported so far. Experts attribute the spread to migratory birds that arrive in Bihar during the winter season.
Guidelines for Public Safety and Restrictions
- Poultry Ban: There is a total ban on the movement of chickens and poultry products within Patna municipal limits.
- Farming Suspension: Poultry farming activities are suspended for two months in areas identified as infection epicenters.
- Safety Protocols: Consumers must ensure chicken and eggs are cooked at or above 70°C before eating.
- Reporting: Citizens should avoid touching dead birds and must report such incidents to the district control room at 0612-2219199.
- Monitoring Zones: Officials have established a 1-km infected zone and a 9-km surveillance zone around the incident sites.
