Solapur On High Alert After Crow Deaths Confirm Bird Flu

After the death of dozens of crows in Solapur, authorities are on high alert after it was confirmed to be caused by bird flu.

An outbreak of Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Solapur in Maharashtra has caused the authorities to be on high alert after multiple deaths of crows over the last few days were confirmed to be caused by bird flu.

The Solapur Municipal Corporation and Animal Husbandry Department have intensified preventive measures after test reports from the Bhopal laboratory confirmed the presence of the bird flu-causing virus.

Following the confirmation of bird flu, authorities have sanitised areas around Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Lake, Shri Siddheshwar Maharaj Lake, and Khandak Bagh in Solapur. More than 50 crows were found dead in recent days.

Authorities have announced that the affected public areas in Solapur will remain closed for 21 days as a precaution. Chickens in shops within a one-kilometre radius will be examined, and the health department will monitor residents in the same area for signs of illness.

Along with these preventive measures, the citizens have urged the public not to panic and assured that no bird flu cases have been reported from poultry or humans.

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can also infect humans and other animals. While most bird flu viruses are restricted to avian species, they can be fatal for birds. Among its variants, the H5N1 strain is particularly concerning due to its ability to survive for extended periods.

Birds infected with the H5N1 virus can shed the virus through their faecal matter and saliva for up to 10 days. The infection spreads through contact with contaminated areas, posing a significant risk, especially among migratory bird populations that travel frequently.

Earlier this month, Bihar's Jehanabad confirmed that the recent deaths of several crows were caused by bird flu. The test reports from RDDL Institute, Kolkata, confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus in the dead birds.

Following the confirmation, the Animal Husbandry Department has started collecting samples from poultry farms within a three-kilometre radius. These samples will be sent to Patna for further testing to determine if domestic poultry has also been affected.

The Jehanabad district administration intensified sanitisation efforts to prevent the spread of infection. Fogging with sodium hypochlorite is being carried out in affected areas to disinfect surroundings and curb the virus's spread.