Patna: The presence of H5N1 avian influenza has been confirmed in Patna following the sudden death of crows near the Patna high court and in the Kankarbagh area, as well as poultry at a university research centre in Chitkohra, the office of the district animal husbandry officer, Patna, confirmed.As a precautionary measure, the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (Patna zoo) will remain closed to the public for one week, until March 7. J-Sector West Park has also been advised to close for a week, as both fall within a 1-km radius of the epicentres and are classified as “infected zones”.According to an official press release issued by the director of Patna Zoo, “To ensure the safety of wildlife and zoo personnel from Avian Influenza (H5N1), all necessary precautionary steps and disinfection activities are being carried out. These measures are being implemented in accordance with the govt of India’s 2021 revised Action Plan for Avian Influenza.”The Bihar department of dairy, fisheries and animal resources has initiated the culling of 4,575 poultry birds. Laboratory results from NIHSAD, Bhopal, confirmed the outbreak after unusual bird deaths were reported.Rapid response teams destroyed 9,662 eggs and 530kg of poultry feed to contain the spread of the virus. Disinfection operations are under way across the infected zone to strengthen biosafety protocols in surrounding areas.The department also issued public guidelines stating that the virus is neutralised at 70°C and that poultry products remain safe for consumption if cleaned and thoroughly cooked at this temperature. Officials noted that although avian influenza has been present in India since 2006, no human infections have been recorded in the country to date.Members of the public have been instructed to avoid touching or dissecting dead birds and to report any sick birds to the local animal husbandry department. Symptoms in poultry include swelling of the head, bluish discolouration of the legs or comb, and sudden mortality. Residents have been advised to contact the Patna control room for official information and to refrain from spreading unverified rumours.
