Delhi & Mahasrashtra confirm cases of Bird Flu; Parliamentary meet today

NEW DELHI: Delhi and Maharashtra have confirmed cases of the dreaded bird flu amid nationwide efforts to contain the spread of the disease that has emerged as a major threat ahead of the festive season.

Earlier, the states of Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat had also confirmed Avian Influenza as the cause of the recent bird deaths.

Taking cognizance of this, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture has also summoned senior officials of the Ministry of Animal Husbandry to examine the availability of animal vaccines in the country; the meeting will take place at 3 pm today.

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In Haryana, more than 4 lakh birds have died in the last few weeks. Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh are also on alert.

Delhi has banned import of live birds and the biggest wholesale poultry market in Ghazipur has been temporarily shut down.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "Rapid response teams have been formed in every district to contain the spread. Veterinary doctors are also constantly on the lookout. The focus is particularly on the poultry markets in Sanjay Lake, Bhalswa Lake, and Hauz Khas."

In Maharashtra, Parbhani - about 500 km from state capital Mumbai - is the epicenter. "About 800 poultry birds - all hens - died in the last two days," a senior officials said.

Meanwhile, states have also been told to ensure availability of PPE kits and accessories to be used to cull birds and dispose of carcases and bird waste.

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