Patna : Authorities in Bihar have confirmed an outbreak of bird flu in three districts—Patna, Bhagalpur, and Jehanabad—prompting urgent containment efforts. The state government, in coordination with the Union Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairy, has placed affected areas under strict surveillance, with teams conducting sample testing and sanitisation measures.
The first case this year was reported in Jehanabad following the death of a crow. Subsequently, infections were confirmed in poultry at Patna’s ICAR campus and in Bhagalpur. In response, officials culled and safely disposed of infected birds at Bihar Animal Science University.
Potential Risk to Humans
Experts warn that bird flu poses a risk to humans, particularly those in direct contact with infected birds. Symptoms typically appear within three to five days and may include high fever, muscle pain, respiratory distress, coughing, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, bleeding from the nose and gums.
Containment and Testing Measures
Authorities have intensified testing efforts, with samples sent to the Regional Disease Research Laboratory (RDDL) in Kolkata and the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NISHAD) in Bhopal. Meanwhile, poultry farms in affected regions are undergoing thorough sanitisation, and officials have urged poultry workers to wear protective gear, including masks, gloves, and footwear.
Annual Concern in Bihar
Bird flu outbreaks are not uncommon in Bihar. In 2020, cases were reported in Patna’s Kankarbagh during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to mass culling of chickens in Munger. The virus continues to pose a recurring challenge for poultry farmers in the state.
Precautionary Measures
Health experts recommend the following precautions to reduce the risk of infection:
Regular sanitisation of poultry farms
Use of protective gear while handling poultry
Avoiding raw or undercooked poultry products
Cooking meat at 100°C to eliminate the virus
Reporting Suspected Cases
Residents are advised to report any sudden deaths of birds, including crows, pigeons, or chickens, to local animal health authorities. Reports can also be sent via email to lrspatna@gmail.com.
