Bihar’s Darbhanga district is grappling with a bird flu crisis after official confirmation of H1N1 avian influenza in dead crows. The high alert has residents on edge, with authorities racing to contain what could escalate into a major public health threat.
Mass die-offs began in Bhigo, Ward 31, claiming thousands of crows since January 12, and now reports emerge from elsewhere in the district. Councilors fear up to 10,000 casualties. Promptly, samples went to Bhopal’s lab on January 12, yielding the dreaded positive verdict on Friday.
Response teams, equipped with PPE, efficiently collected and buried the birds in JCB-dug pits under strict protocols, minimizing contamination risks. Panic simmers as locals witness the grim spectacle.
Dr. Mohammad Intkhwab Akhtar of the animal husbandry department detailed the countermeasures: veterinary squads inspecting every poultry farm, coupled with serological blood tests for early detection. ‘No stone unturned in preventing spread,’ he affirmed.
Citizens are implored to shun dead birds and alert authorities to odd mortalities. The district’s vigilant oversight seeks to nip the outbreak in the bud, safeguarding flocks and communities alike.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in monitoring wildlife diseases that spillover to agriculture. Past bird flu waves devastated economies; today’s resolve aims to rewrite that narrative. Stay informed and heed guidelines as experts track developments.