A bird flu warning has been sounded in Rajasthan after the confirmation of its virus in dead crows in Jhalawar district. Animal Husbandry Department has set up a state-level control room and sent its teams to the district for effective monitoring.

Yesterday, seven crows were found dead at the iconic Jal Mahal in Jaipur, taking the toll to 252 in the state. Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Kunji Lal Meena said that the deaths due to bird flu have been mainly reported among crows, with most of them from the Kota and Jodhpur divisions. He said, the virus is dangerous and necessary guidelines have been issued.

All field officers and poultry farm owners have been asked to remain vigilant. Effective monitoring is ensured at all sites, especially in wetlands, Sambhar Lake and Kaila Devi bird sanctuary. Mr Meena said the crow deaths were reported on December 25 in Jhalawar.

Their samples were sent to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal and the bird flu virus was detected. So far, the death of 100 crows has been reported from Jhalawar, 72 from Baran, 47 from Kota, 19 from Pali, seven from Jodhpur and seven from Jaipur.