The other seven states which already have confirmed cases are Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat.
The first outbreak of bird flu in India was in 2006 and is circulating worldwide over centuries and there have been four major such outbreaks over a last century center said in a statement. In India the disease mainly spreads by migratory birds coming during winter period and this Avian influenza is caused by type-A virus, primarily H5N1, which is considered a highly pathogenic Avian influenza (HPAI) variant.
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture have summoned officials from Animal Husbandry to check the availability of animal vaccines and the meeting is scheduled to take place at 3 pm today.
Haryana has reported the highest number of bird deaths in last few weeks and Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Chattisgarh are on alert.
Delhi banned the import of live birds and have shut down poultry markets at many places in Delhi. Rapid response teams are formed in every state and there is constant communication lookout for veterinary doctors to contain the spread of the flu.
District collector of Parbani district of Maharashtra which is the epicenter told that states are given orders for culling and around 800 birds died there in last two days. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will hold a meeting today to review the situation.
Culling of birds in states like Kerala and Haryana is taking place on a large scale after the deaths of more than four lakh birds in last few weeks and also the poultry markets are regulated.
Himachal Pradesh also reported deaths of over 2,000 birds and sale, purchase of any poultry products has been banned in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh which is now the epicenter.
Chief Secretaries of states and UTs have been asked by the government to monitor the situation and to maintain an effective communication with health officials to contain the spread of the flu with special regard of avoiding the spread to humans.
Last week the government clarified that the disease is zoonotic but no case of human has been reported so far. States have been asked to ensure the availability of PPE kits and all other accessories in handling the spread of the flu and also to tackle the rumors influencing the poultry product consumers with spreading constant awareness of safety especially of boiled or cooked poultry products.
