Bird Flu: Alert states keep sharp eye on reports of avian deaths

New Delhi : In wake of several death reports of poultry, crows, migratory bird in five states, the other states have also alerted themselves and are keeping a close eye on such cases.

On Thursday, nearly 400 birds were found dead in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat while 150 crows were found dead in Jammu's Udhampur district. Though, their cause of death is yet to be ascertained. 

While at least four crows were found dead at a school in Jhansi, the lab test ruled out avian influenza or bird flu in this case.

Earlier, the Centre held a meeting with states to understand the emergency situation and prepare accordingly.

So far, avian deaths have been reported from Kerala, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment said there are no reports of humans being infected though the disease is zoonotic. There is no direct evidence that Avian Influenza viruses can be transmitted to humans via the consumption of contaminated poultry products.