Patna, January 30 – In a alarming development, avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu (H1N1), has been officially confirmed in Bihar’s Darbhanga district following the mysterious death of thousands of crows. The outbreak has triggered widespread panic among residents, prompting the administration and animal husbandry department to issue a high alert across the region.
The epicenter of the crisis lies in Ward No. 31 of the urban area, specifically the Bhigo locality, where thousands of crows have dropped dead over recent days. Reports indicate similar incidents in other parts of the district, with local councilors estimating the toll at around 10,000 birds. The first signs emerged on January 12, when large-scale crow deaths were reported in Bhigo.
Swift action followed as samples from the dead crows, collected on January 12, were rushed to a laboratory in Bhopal for testing. The confirmatory report arrived on Friday, solidifying fears of a bird flu outbreak. Immediately, municipal councilors, corporation staff, and district officials descended on the affected zones.
Wearing full PPE kits, teams meticulously gathered the carcasses and buried them deep in pits dug by JCB machines, adhering strictly to scientific disposal protocols to prevent further spread. The atmosphere in the area is tense, with fear gripping the local population.
Dr. Mohammad Intkhwab Akhtar, an official from the animal husbandry department, revealed that veterinary teams are being deployed district-wide to inspect all poultry farms. ‘We will conduct thorough checks on every farm,’ he stated. ‘Any signs of infection will trigger immediate action.’
Moreover, serological surveillance has been ordered, involving blood tests on chickens to detect antibodies and confirm infection status. The district administration is maintaining a tight vigil to contain the disease. Officials are urging the public to avoid contact with dead birds and report any unusual bird deaths promptly.
This outbreak underscores the vulnerability of Bihar’s poultry sector and public health to zoonotic diseases. As monitoring intensifies, experts emphasize the importance of vigilance to avert a larger crisis. The situation remains fluid, with authorities on high alert.