31 December 2020.
The Jhalawar district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under section 144 in the Jhalawar district after an outbreak of avian flu that has left scores of crows dead.
Key Points about Avian Flu:
- The deaths of the crows has been reported since December 25 from a temple in the Radi ke Balaji locality on the outskirts of Jhalawar town.
- The Animal Husbandry department and the wildlife department inspected the area and sent samples to the National High Security Animal Disease Laboratory in Bhopal. The laboratory identified that the birds were affected by Avian Flu.
- A Zero mobility zone in one-kilo metre area around the Radi ke Balaji temple has been imposed. Section 144 has been imposed in the region. This is to prevent the spread of the disease to humans.
About Avian Flu:
- Avian Influenza is a disease caused by infection due to Avian Influenza Type A virus. These viruses occur naturally in aquatic birds and has the potential to infect domestic poultry and other birds and animals.
- The Avian Influenza is caused by Influenza virus. The H5N1 was the first Avian Influenza virus to infect humans. The first infection occurred in Hong Kong in 1997.
- In December 2019, around 18,000 birds died near Sambhar Lake due to Avian botulism.
- Avian botulism is a fatal illness that affects the nerves. It is a neuromuscular illness caused by a toxin produced by a bacteria.
- In September 2019, the World Organization of Animal Health declared India as free from the Influenza virus, H5N1.
- However, another outbreak occurred soon.