Bihar on high alert amid bird flu scare

Tribune News Service

Patna, December 26

The Bihar Government has put the entire state on high alert after the reported death of six peacocks at Patna zoo due to avian influenza virus. The zoo was closed for visitors yesterday.

Some cases of bird flu infection in poultry were also reported from Munger district. All precautionary measures were being taken to curb the spread of the disease caused by H5N1 virus. The death of birds due to said virus has been confirmed by a laboratory.

“All district magistrates, civil surgeons, hospital superintendents of medical colleges and others have been directed to take necessary action if cases of avian influenza virus are reported from any part of the state. We have constantly been taking stock of the situation so that all possible measures are initiated as per situation,” said Lokesh Kumar Singh, Special Secretary at Health Department. The Animal Husbandry Department has set up teams of experts for gathering samples from various poultry firms. The samples will be sent for tests to Kolkata, said an expert.

Patna District Magistrate Kumar Ravi said: “Officers of animal husbandry and health departments have been asked to keep watch on reported syndrome of bird flu in Patna. All safety measures will be taken to check the spread of deadly disease.”

State authorities have already confirmed that avian influenza virus caused death of six peacocks at Patna zoo and some crows in Munger district.