Solapur has confirmed its first case of bird flu, with crows dying from the H5N1 virus. | Representative Image
Solapur: Solapur has reported its first case of bird flu after laboratory tests from the High-Security Animal Disease Laboratory in Bhopal confirmed that crows in the city died due to the H5N1 virus. This discovery follows the unexplained deaths of crows, pheasants, and ducks in the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Lake and Killa Bagh areas of the city. Upon confirmation of bird flu as the cause, local authorities have ramped up efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
The Animal Husbandry Department, which had already been on alert, has now activated its response measures. Inspectors are conducting widespread checks across the city, with samples of sick and dead birds sent for further analysis. In addition, the district administration has issued protocols for the proper disposal of deceased birds. These guidelines mandate that the birds be buried in a three-foot-deep pit with lime powder, subject to prior approval.
To bolster enforcement, police have been stationed to ensure compliance with the new measures. The affected areas have been sealed and disinfected, with a 10 KM-radius around the sites designated as an alert zone. Strict restrictions have been imposed on the movement of citizens, as well as the transport of birds and animals within this zone.
Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation, urging residents to report any unusual bird deaths immediately. The public is also reminded to exercise caution and follow health and safety guidelines to prevent further outbreaks of the H5N1 virus.
