Rajasthan, Jan 4: Rajasthan’s animal husbandry department has sounded a bird flu alert following the death of hundreds of crows and cases of avian influenza reported from Jhalawar and Jaipur districts.
The Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Kunji Lal Meena on Sunday said that the deaths due to bird flu have been mainly reported among crows, with most of them from the Kota and Jodhpur divisions.
On Sunday, seven crows were found dead at Jal Mahal, taking the toll to 252 in the state. So far, the death of 100 crows has been reported from Jhalawar, 72 from Baran, 47 from Kota, 19 from Pali, seven from Jodhpur and seven from Jaipur.
“The situation is not alarming, but we are vigilant, ensuring that this virus does not enter domestic animals. The guidelines are being followed and dead animals are buried as per instructions, Additional Director Bhawani Rathore said. Over 75 samples from various places have been sent for testing,” Department Secretary Arushi Malik said.
Chief Wildlife Warden ML Meena also said the department has sounded an alert, and the field staff has been asked to be more vigilant. Avian influenza has been confirmed only in Jhalawar, but directions have been issued to track every instance, especially near water bodies, he said.
