February 25, 2014

Indian state Odisha reports bird flu outbreak

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received an immediate notification on Friday, (Feb 21) from the Indian veterinary authorities who have reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in the state of Odisha.

The outbreak was initially observed on January 31 and confirmed on February 6 on which real-time PCR, reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and virus isolation tests were conducted on the crows at the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory in Bhopal. The tests confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus.

According to the report, two house crows (Corvus splendens) were found dead. No birds were slaughtered and/or destroyed. The source of the bird flu outbreak remains inconclusive.

In order to contain the situation, the OIE, in conjunction with the country's competent authorities, have disinfected infected premises/establishments. However, vaccination of birds has been prohibited; there has also been no treatment of affected birds.