Cases of bird flu have been reported from four states, including Himachal, Rajasthan, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. In Himachal, officials confirmed that migratory birds found dead at Pong Dam Lake in Kangra district have tested positive for the dreaded avian influenza.
In Rajasthan, over 400 birds have died in a few days and state officials have confirmed bird flu in Jhalawa district. Influenza outbreak has been reported in two districts of Kerala -- Kettayam and Alappuzha -- and authorities have ordered culling of ducks, hens and other domestic birds. Officials said some 40,000 birds will have to be culled to check the spread. A bird flu alert has also been sounded in Madhya Pradesh after the death of hundreds of crows in several districts.
Bird flu is a highly infectious and severe respiratory disease in birds caused by the H5N1 influenza virus, which can occasionally infect humans as well.