Bird Flu Scare in Maharashtra: Over 7,000 Birds Culled, 2,230 Eggs Destroyed
Bird Flu Scare in Maharashtra: Over 7,000 Birds Culled, 2,230 Eggs Destroyed
Maharashtra is facing a bird flu (avian influenza) outbreak, leading to the culling of 7,200 poultry birds and the destruction of 2,230 eggs across seven epicentres since January 1.
The affected areas include Latur, Nanded, Nagpur, Thane, Raigad, and Chandrapur, with most cases reported in unorganized and backyard poultry farms.
The latest outbreak occurred in Mangli village, Brahmapuri taluka, Chandrapur district, where 2,065 birds were culled, and 1,165 eggs and 50 kg of feed were destroyed within a 5-km radius as per protocol. Authorities have so far distributed ₹2,91,963 as compensation to affected poultry farmers.
Apart from poultry, the virus has also infected tigers, leopards, vultures, and crows, resulting in 693 reported deaths, including three tigers and one leopard at Nagpur’s Gorewada Rescue Center.
Additionally, three white-backed vultures and 71 crows in Latur’s Udgir taluka succumbed to the virus.
The outbreak is attributed to the H1N5 strain of the influenza A virus, which is zoonotic and primarily spreads through migratory birds near water bodies. However, no cases have been reported in organized poultry farms, as they have implemented strict biosecurity measures to prevent contact with infected birds.
Authorities are maintaining strict surveillance in affected regions to contain the spread and protect both livestock and human health.
