The Jharkhand government issued a warning after bird flu cases were detected at a state-operated poultry farm in Ranchi, as confirmed by an official on Wednesday. A total of 2,196 birds, including 1,745 chickens, were euthanized at the Regional Poultry Farm, Hotwar, along with the destruction of 1,697 eggs, according to reports.Confirmation of H5N1 VirusThe presence of H5N1, a type of avian influenza A virus known to cause disease in birds, was verified in the samples sent to the ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal, the official stated.The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying has instructed the state to implement comprehensive measures to control the spread of the disease. Immediate actions such as identifying infected areas, restricting access to affected sites, culling birds, and properly disposing of carcasses and contaminated materials are mandated.As part of the measures, authorities have designated a one-kilometer radius around the outbreak site as an infected area, with a ten-kilometer radius surrounding it marked as a surveillance zone.Poultry Source and AdvisoryThe official mentioned that the farm, recently reopened after renovation, received poultry from Bhubaneswar. Additionally, the Animal Husbandry Department has issued an advisory urging the public to promptly report any sightings of deceased birds.About Avian FluThe Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 is caused by a specific type of influenza virus, primarily affecting poultry species such as chickens, ducks, and geese. The signs and symptoms of this influenza virus are similar to other viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.Severe signs requiring immediate medical attention include high-grade persistent fever, breathing difficulties, vomiting, dehydration, low blood pressure, chest pain, and bluish discoloration of the face and lips, among others.
