Bird flu reaches Mumbai, Thane, elsewhere in Maharashtra

Footfall at this chicken market in south Mumbai has become a trickle, say shopkeepers. Pic/Bipin Kokate

While rumours have already dropped the poultry business by 30-40 per cent, bird flu or avian influenza has been officially confirmed across the length and breadth of the state, including Mumbai and Thane, which is unlike the first outbreak in 2006 when it was confined only to the Navapur precinct of Nandurbar district.
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's office confirmed that the H5N1 virus was found in farm chickens, crows and other birds in certain places and test reports of samples collected from many rural and urban areas were expected soon.

Reports have confirmed that two crows in Mumbai, three pond egrets and one parrot in Thane died of avian influenza. Earlier on Sunday, as many as 11 crows were found dead in Chembur.

Sources in the government said the widespread outbreak might look like a serious concern, but since the machinery had gained valuable experience in 2006, the measures to be taken would be effective.

Already battling the coronavirus pandemic, Thackeray convened a meeting on Monday to review the fight against the new outbreak. He asked officials to share objective information with the people to prevent rumour-mongering.

Earlier in the day, animal husbandry minister Sunil Kedar told reporters that containment areas have been marked depending on the intensity of virus spread. The poultry birds are being culled under healthcare guidelines, he said. The Animal Husbandry Department has started a control room for the purpose.

Poultry trading has been stopped in and around the affected areas. However, no restrictions have been put on the business outside the containment areas.

Meanwhile, a poultry dealer told mid-day that the business was impacted by 30-40 per cent. "Customers inquire about the disease before placing an order. The rates of chicken and eggs have also dropped and we expect them to reduce further," the dealer said.

Opposition leader Devendra Fadanvis said that the MVA government should act timely in handling the outbreak in a proper manner. "The government should help the people dependent on this (poultry business) for livelihood," he said.

BMC says

"While there are bird flu cases in the city, there are very few chances of it being transmitted to humans. As of now, there isn't any need to worry. If the people follow the COVID protocol such as social distancing and masks, it will be enough for now," said Suresh Kakani, additional municipal
commissioner.

2006
Year state last witnessed bird flu outbreak