Advisory for bird flu vigilance issued

Ahmedabad: On alert for likely cases of avian influenza (H5N1), the forest department has issued an advisory for birding sites in Gujarat, asking officials concerned to keep a watch for any death or symptoms from the virus.
Officials have been asked to send all samples from any suspicious death to the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL) in Bhopal. Experts say H5N1 is a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza (bird flu) that primarily affects birds but has occasionally spread to humans and other mammals.
The advisory was issued after HSADL detected the H5N1 virus strain in samples it received from the Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
A week ago, samples from two dead painted storks found in the sanctuary were sent for testing, revealing the presence of the virus.
A Gujarat forest official said that there are several waterbodies, including Nalsarovar and Thol, in the state with large gatherings of painted storks. "In Khambhat's Pandad village, bird watchers have reported 700-odd nests of painted storks. However, there has been no report of any unusual death or any symptom," said the officer. He added that people have still not been restricted from going near the waterbody.
Forest areas are being inspected twice or thrice a day and dead birds, if any, are being disposed of as per regulations, he said. In 2021, samples from 10 dead poultry birds from Dolasa village in Gir-Somnath district tested positive for avian influenza. The official said it was in Jan 2021 that 53 birds on the shores of Kharo Dam in Junagadh were suspected to have died from bird flu. The dead birds included red-wattled lapwings, ruffs, northern shovelers and a comb duck.
Bird flu symptoms in humans H5N1 infections in humans can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms include eye infection and upper respiratory problems. Severe symptoms include pneumonia, which can be fatal.