Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has been officially verified in Darbhanga district of Bihar due to a significant number of crow fatalities, causing concern among locals and prompting heightened vigilance from authorities and the animal husbandry department. Thousands of crows have perished in the Bhigo area of Ward No. 31 within Darbhanga’s urban boundaries, with ongoing reports of crow casualties from various parts of the district. Nearly 10,000 crow deaths have been estimated by local councillors.
The Animal Husbandry Department had dispatched deceased crow samples to a Bhopal laboratory for examination on January 12. The confirmation of avian flu infection was announced on Friday upon receipt of the test results. The initial surge in crow deaths in the Bhigo area was noted on January 12 itself. Following the confirmation, municipal councillors, municipal corporation personnel, and district administration officials swiftly mobilized to the affected zone.
The deceased crows were methodically gathered using PPE kits and disposed of in deep pits through the use of a JCB machine, adhering to stipulated safety measures, as reported by councillors. A prevailing sense of apprehension lingers in the region post the avian flu confirmation. Dr. Mohammad Intikhab Akhtar from the Animal Husbandry Department mentioned the deployment of veterinary doctor teams to inspect all poultry farms across the district. Strict surveillance is being upheld by the district administration to avert further disease spread.
