Bird flu cases have been detected in Shahapur, following the death of around 100 birds at a poultry farm in Vehloli village in the tehsil recently.
Samples collected from the dead birds were sent to a Pune-based laboratory for testing and the results confirmed that they had died due to H5N1 avian influenza, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Thane Zilla Parishad, Dr Bhausaheb Dangde had earlier said.
In Shahapur village, poultry farming is the source of livelihood for most people. Officials have now ordered culling all broiler birds in a 1 kilometre radius.
- Human infections are primarily acquired through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, these viruses have not acquired the ability of sustained transmission among humans, according to the WHO
Apart from antiviral treatment, the public health management includes personal protective measures like:
Regular hand washing with proper drying of the hands.
Good respiratory hygiene – covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using tissues and disposing of them correctly.
