Bird flu cases reported in Kashmir days after removal of ban on poultry

Srinagar:  Days after the government lifted ban on import of poultry in Jammu and Kashmir, the authorities late Friday confirmed that it has detected cases of Avian Flu (Bird Flu) among crows and some migratory birds in the Valley.

According to the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), officials said that Avian flu has been reported at four places among the migratory birds and crows while no case of the flu has been reported in poultry birds so far. 

They said the four places where the flu has been confirmed include Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Budgam. 

Soon after the avian flu cases were reported, the government has issued instructions to carry out surveillance within one kilometre radius and take samples from poultry farms as well, officials added. 

Nodal Officer for Avian flu in Kashmir province, Dr Mushtaq Shah confirmed that cases of the disease have been reported in Kashmir division among crows and some wild birds.

He said that necessary precautions are being taken in this regard.

Pertinently, around nine States in India had reported cases of avian flu earlier. (KNO)