Bird flu scare spreads across country after thousands of birds found dead

India, January 6:  Panic around the dreaded avian influenza in now spreading like across the country after hundreds of birds were found dead in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, forcing the State governments to sound bird flu alert and order culling in affected areas. The bird flu, or avian influenza, is a highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds caused by H5N1 influenza, which can spread to human beings and turn fatal. The Kerala government has sounded high alert after bird flu cases were reported in Kottayam and Alappuzha districts. The administration has also reportedly ordered the culling of thousands of ducks, hens and other domestic birds within one-kilometre radius of the affected areas, after cases were reported from Nedumudi, Thakazhy, Pallippad and Karuvatta. To preen the spreading of the infection, the birds will be burnt or buried. The situation is even more alarming in Himachal Pradesh, where over 2,400 migratory water birds have reportedly been found dead so far.

By: R News India 24