Over 150 Crow Deaths Trigger Bird Flu Alert in Bihar’s Bhagalpur; Containment Measures Intensified

Bhagalpur, Bihar: Authorities have sounded a bird flu alert in Bihar after more than 150 crows were found dead in the Naugachia subdivision of Bhagalpur district. Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of avian influenza, prompting immediate containment and surveillance measures in the affected area.

🦅 Sudden Spike in Crow Deaths

Officials said the deaths were reported over a short span of time, raising suspicions of a possible outbreak. Samples collected from the carcasses were sent for testing, which later confirmed bird flu infection. The exact strain has not yet been publicly specified, but authorities have treated the situation as serious and potentially contagious.

🚨 Containment and Sanitisation Drives

Following confirmation, district administration and animal husbandry officials launched large-scale sanitisation drives in Naugachia and surrounding areas. Teams have been deployed to:

• Dispose of bird carcasses safely

• Disinfect affected zones

• Monitor poultry farms and backyard bird populations

• Restrict movement of poultry in and out of the designated surveillance zone

Officials have created surveillance and buffer zones around the affected areas to prevent the spread of the virus to domestic poultry.

🐔 Poultry Farms Under Watch

Special focus is being placed on nearby poultry farms to ensure that the infection does not spread to chickens or other domesticated birds. Veterinary teams are conducting door-to-door inspections and advising poultry owners on biosecurity measures.

Authorities have warned residents not to touch dead birds and to immediately report any unusual bird deaths to local officials.

🏥 Public Health Advisory

Health officials clarified that while bird flu primarily affects birds, precautionary steps are being taken to monitor any potential risk to humans. Residents have been urged to maintain hygiene, avoid handling dead birds, and consume properly cooked poultry products.

🔎 Ongoing Surveillance

Continuous monitoring is underway, and further samples are being collected to assess the scale of the outbreak. The district administration has assured that all necessary steps are being taken to contain the spread and prevent panic.

This is not the first time Bihar has faced bird flu cases, and authorities are relying on established response protocols to manage the situation swiftly.

Further updates are expected as surveillance reports are compiled.