Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, outbreak has been confirmed in 3 more States – Delhi, Uttarakhand and Maharashtra.

The development was confirmed by the Union Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

“Till January 11 (Monday), Avian Influenza has been confirmed in 10 States of the Country,” the Union Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying said on Monday.

The outbreak has been confirmed in Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Maharashtra.

With the number of States affected by bird flu is on the rise, the Centre has hinted at a possible culling operation to prevent further spread of the disease.

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The Centre has directed the States and the Union Territories to maintain adequate stock of PPE kits and accessories required for culling operations.

The Union Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has also asked the States and Union Territories raise awareness among the masses and curb spread of misinformation.

“States/UTs have been requested to increase surveillance around water bodies, bird markets, zoos, poultry farms, etc. along with proper disposal of carcasses and strengthening biosecurity in poultry farms,” it said.

The Centre has asked the States to “take all possible measures to contain the spread of the disease on an urgent basis”.

It has also warned the States of a possible transmission of the disease to humans and other livestock.

Meanwhile, The Union Environment Ministry has termed the situation ‘serious’.

Avian influenza or bird flu is a viral disease that occurs naturally among wild aquatic birds and can infect domestic poultry and other birds and animals.

Bird flu is contagious which can get transmitted to humans.

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Bird flu is considered to be more dangerous than the coronavirus.

While the mortality rate of coronavirus at present is 3 percent, the mortality rate of bird flu is 60 percent.

The mortality rate of patients with Bird Flu is 20 times higher than that of the corona.

Bird flu symptoms among humans:

Symptoms begin to appear in a person within 2 to 8 days after he/she gets infected with bird flu.

Fever, cough, runny nose, headache, swelling in the throat, muscle ache, stomach issues, difficulty in breathing, infection in the eye are some of the symptoms that emerge in a person after getting infected with bird flu.

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