Mumbai alerted by the first case of the Avian Flu; BMC issues guidelines to tackle outbreak
The municipal body in Mumbai has urged the citizens to immediately report to 1916, if they spot carcasses of birds anywhere in the city.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has issued an advisory, after samples of birds who died in the city on Sunday, tested positive for the avian flu virus. As per claims, around 11 crows were found dead in Mumbai's Chembur area and their samples were sent to the concerned department, for further examinations. After the reports testified the presence of the bird flu strain, BMC urgently issued guidelines to prevent the further outbreak of the disease in the city.
Citizens asked to report cases of bird deaths immediately
Amidst escalating bird flu cases throughout the country, a large number of birds have died in Mumbai, Thane, Parbhani, Beed and Dapoli. The municipal body in Mumbai has urged the citizens to immediately report to 1916, if they spot carcasses of birds anywhere in the city.
The Assistant Manager of Solid Waste Management and workers from the regional office, have been directed to follow all the rules laid down by the Animal Husbandry department while disposing of the dead remains of the birds. They have been asked to ensure that the burial pit is deep and a sufficient quantity of limestones are used. These steps are being implemented to stop the stray animals from digging it up again. The Assistant Municipal Commissioner (Markets) is also required to surveil chicken and meat shops, so that complete hygiene practices are followed.
Not just Mumbai but Thane has also confirmed the first positive case of bird flu, in the region. According to reports, the H5N1 avian influenza caused the death of 3 pond egrets and a parrot in the region. To combat the spread of the virus, a control room has been set up for prompt action. As a step towards ensuring protection for over 200 aquatic and exotic birds in the Veer Jijamata Udyaan in Byculla, it has been instructed to adhere to the directives floated by the Central Zoo Authority.
Bird flu cases in Maharashtra soaring up high!
Becoming the eighth state in the country to diagnose this virus, Maharashtra had reported the death of over 1,600 birds owing to bird flu, on Monday. The district authorities in Parbhani have confirmed around 800 fatalities related to this infectious flu in Murmura village. With an aim to contain the virus, 'Alert Zones' have been declared around Ahmedpur region and Kendrewadi village, prohibiting the entry and exit of vehicles. While the administration is taking action to curtail the spread of the virus, the citizens need to be alert and watchful too.