While battling the mutant COVID-19 strain, Rajasthan is also facing an Avian Flu epidemic

As part of a Hitchcockian nightmare, Rajasthan has been reporting dead birds falling from the sky, at different regions. On Thursday, the reason was found to be the case of Avian Flu. A high alert has been sounded across the state, after Avian Influenza was confirmed in the samples of around 100 crows which were found dead in Jhalawar. The same samples have been sent to Bhopal for further testing. Moreover, on Friday, around 50 birds including peacocks had been found dead in Kalwa village of Makrana sub-block in Nagaur district of Rajasthan. Post-mortem reports are awaited.

All national parks, wildlife sanctuaries & other forest areas on high alert

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Avian influenza is a contagious disease which can spread from one bird to other birds, animals and even humans in some instances. All national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and other forest areas have been asked to take special precautions after the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) confirmed bird flu in the samples tested so far.

On December 27, around 100 crows were found dead in a local temple situated in Jhalawar, which is an erstwhile princely state situated in the southeast corner of Rajasthan, 341-km away from Jaipur. Their samples tested positive for avian influenza, as per reports by forest officials. Jhalawar District Collector, Ngikya Gohain, immediately sounded 'zero mobility' within a one-kilometre area of this temple to ensure there is no transmission of the avian influenza.

Animal Husbandry Department to play a major role in the identification of infected birds

Mohanlal Meena, the Chief Wildlife warden was quoted saying, "We have sounded an alert in all parts of the state and issued directions to report to authorities immediately if there is any dead bird." She also added, "We have received news of bird flu confirmation on Thursday and hence we are advising our forest officers to take all precautionary measures without any kind of delay. If there is any bird found dead, then immediate action should be taken."

Meena further stated that since the avian influenza is quite contagious, it needs to be identified as early as possible to stop its spread. She mentioned that the Animal Husbandry Department has a prominent role to play in this case as they will need to identify if there are any more birds in the state who are infected, especially near the wetland spaces as there are many migratory birds in these areas.