Patna : Bird flu has been confirmed in Patna, triggering an urgent response from local authorities. Recent reports confirm that nearly 1,000 chickens died in Marchi village, located in the Sadar subdivision of Patna district, due to the disease. The situation escalated further when a private poultry farmer in the Nehru Path area, popularly known as Bailey Road, reported the sudden deaths of chickens, prompting tests that confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus, which causes bird flu in humans.
The Animal Husbandry Department has already initiated preventive measures, including spraying anti-viral medications in the affected area. Additionally, local authorities are urging residents to maintain heightened vigilance. Special precautions have been advised for poultry farm owners, and any instance of mass poultry deaths should be reported immediately.
In an effort to curb the spread of the disease, sanitation drives have been launched across several villages in the Sadar block.
How Bird Flu Spreads
Bird flu is transmitted primarily through the saliva, nasal discharge, and feces of infected birds. The H5N1 virus can spread rapidly if the chain of infection is not broken. Infected birds can contaminate the environment, with feces, dust, and soil serving as potential carriers of the virus. The disease can quickly proliferate if poultry farmers or the general public fail to take necessary precautions.
Symptoms of Bird Flu in Humans
Human cases of bird flu often present with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, and headache. More severe cases may experience difficulty breathing, pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and diarrhea. If left untreated, the virus can spread to the brain, leading to life-threatening complications.
Poultry showing signs of infection may die suddenly, lose their appetite, and stop drinking water. Their feet and beaks may turn blue, and they may exhibit labored breathing, coughing, and wheezing. Infected birds also cease laying eggs and develop greenish diarrhea.
Public Health Advisory
Authorities are advising the public to exercise caution when handling food and beverages in light of the recent outbreak. While the situation in and around Marchi village is improving due to ongoing antiviral efforts, the Animal Husbandry Officer emphasized that vigilance remains essential. A team has been dispatched to investigate poultry farms and contain further spread.
