Darbhanga: Dead crows found in ward number 31 of Darbhanga have tested positive for bird flu virus (H1N1), prompting the district animal husbandry department to intensify disinfection and surveillance measures.On the evening of Jan 29, Dr Sunil Kumar, joint director of the animal husbandry department, Patna, informed the district animal husbandry officer, Darbhanga, that samples of the dead crows had confirmed the presence of bird flu virus (H1N1). Following this, disinfection of the surrounding areas was carried out and the carcasses were disposed of through deep burial.Taking cognisance of complaints about a large number of crows found dead at Mukti Dham, the department had earlier deputed personnel to collect the carcasses, which were sent to the Institute of Animal Health & Production, Patna, through a special messenger.Assistant poultry officer (APO) Dr K K Jha, the nodal officer for the programme, said around 400-450 crows had died in the area. He said a 1-km radius around the affected site is being disinfected and sero-surveillance is underway.“Chickens are also being examined and serum swabs have been taken. These are being sent to the Patna institute, from where they will be forwarded to National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal,” he said.Dr Jha added that only one crow died on Saturday and was disposed of through deep burial. “There is no cause for worry and people can consume chicken and eggs,” he said, adding that sanitisation is continuing in the affected area.
