H5N8 strain confirmed in migratory birds at Pong

Himachal Pradesh Science & Technology

The National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, has confirmed the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N8) virus strain outbreak in the Pong Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary where, after one- and-a-half month, dead migratory birds were recovered.
The state wildlife authorities had initially sent samples of dead birds to the Regional Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory, Jalandhar, which had finally been forwarded to NIHSAD.
Earlier, the virus strain was found in the birds during November and December last year. Archana Sharma, Chief Wildlife Warden, said that dead birds were mostly bar-headed geese and recovered from Rancer and Nagrota Surian wildlife beats.
She said an action plan on preparedness, control and containment of the influenza had been prepared. The field staff had been directed to maintain a strict vigil in and around the Pong Wetland where migratory birds were present.
The birds were on the return journey to their native lands in China, Nepal and Mangolia.