Avain Flu confirmed in birds in Kashmir as govt lifts ban on poultry import

Srinagar: Days after the government of Jammu and Kashmir lifted ban on poultry import in J&K, the authorities on January 22 confirmed Avian Flu (Bird Flu) among the crows and migratory birds in the Valley.

Quoting unnamed officials, Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reported that Avain flu has been reported at four places among migratory birds and crows while no case of Avain flu has been reported in poultry birds so far.

They said the four places where Avain flu has been confirmed include Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Budgam.

Soon after Avain flu cases were reported, the government has issued instructions to do surveillance within one km radius and take samples from Poultry farms also, officials added.

Nodal Officer for Avain flu in Kashmir province, Dr Mushtaq Shah confirmed that cases of Avain flu have been reported in Kashmir division among Crows and some wild birds (Migratory birds).

He said that necessary precautions are being taken in this regard.

Pertinently, around nine States in India had reported cases of Avain flu earlier. (KNO)