10,000 Crows Dead: Bird Flu Hits Darbhanga; Bihar on High Alert
Mass crow deaths spark avian influenza alert in Bihar district.
A serious bird flu outbreak has been confirmed in Darbhanga district of Bihar, putting the entire state on high alert. The H5N1 strain of avian influenza was detected in samples collected from thousands of dead crows, mainly in the Bhigo area of Ward No. 31 within Darbhanga city limits. Local reports estimate nearly 10,000 crows may have died so far, with deaths continuing to surface across other parts of the district.
The crisis began surfacing around January 12, when large numbers of crow carcasses were first noticed. Samples were immediately sent to a laboratory in Bhopal for testing, and the positive confirmation arrived on Friday. This has sparked widespread panic among residents, who are now avoiding contact with any dead or sick birds. Authorities stress that people should report unusual bird deaths promptly to prevent potential risks to humans and poultry.
In response, the district administration, municipal corporation, and Animal Husbandry Department swung into action. Dead crows are being collected using full personal protective equipment (PPE) and disposed of scientifically by burying them in deep pits dug with JCB machines, following strict biosecurity protocols. Veterinary teams are now conducting thorough inspections of all poultry farms in the district to check for any signs of infection.
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Dr Mohammad Intikhab Akhtar from the Animal Husbandry Department confirmed that serological surveillance is underway, involving blood tests on chickens to detect antibodies indicating exposure. He assured that immediate measures would be taken if any farm shows symptoms. Officials are maintaining close monitoring to contain the outbreak and prevent it from spreading to domestic birds or other areas.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of how quickly avian influenza can affect wildlife and trigger public health concerns. Residents are urged to stay vigilant, avoid handling dead birds, and cooperate with authorities. Bihar’s swift response aims to safeguard both human and animal populations during this critical period.
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