Avian Flu hits Rajasthan's Jhalawar, kills fifty crows

Jaipur, Jan 1: Jhalawar town of Rajasthan has imposed a curfew in one-kilo metre radius after it was confirmed that fifty crows died of the Avian flu. Around fifty crows had died in the Radi ke Balaji temple in Jhalawar town on Dec 25. A 'zero mobility zone' in 1 km area around the Radi ke Balaji temple has been imposed. Death of crows has also been reported from Jodhpur.

 

The Animal Husbandry department and the Wildlife department have inspected the area and sent samples to the National High Security Animal Disease Laboratory in Bhopal. The laboratory has identified that the birds were affected by Avian Flu. Section 144 has been imposed in the region around Radi ke Balaji temple, in order to prevent the spread of the disease to humans.

 

Avian Influenza is a disease caused by infection due to Avian Influenza Type A virus. These viruses occur naturally in aquatic birds and have the potential to infect domestic poultry and other birds and animals. The Avian Influenza is caused by the Influenza virus. The H5N1 was the first Avian Influenza virus to infect humans and the first infection had occurred in Hong Kong in 1997.

 

In Sep 2019, the World Organization of Animal Health declared India as free from the Influenza virus, H5N1. This lasted only for a few time period and an another outbreak occurred. In Dec 2019, around 18,000 birds died near Sambhar Lake due to Avian botulism. Avian botulism is a fatal illness that affects the nerves of birds. It is a neuro-muscular illness caused by a toxin produced by a bacteria.

 

In order to tackle the situation, Jhalawar District Collector Ngikya Gohain has formed a fast action team to contain the bird flu. The team comprises of the Deputy Conservator, Sub divisional magistrate, Deputy SP, Joint Director, Animal Husbandry department, Chief Medical and Health Officer and Commissioner, Jhalawar Municipal Council.

 

The action team would ensure compliance of the Influenza Action Plan 2015. Survey and sampling of the nearby poultries and area by the joint director, animal husbandry department will be conducted.