H5N1 Bird Flu Kills House Crows in Indian State 28-02-2019, by admin, 0 Comments 4 Views INDIA – The Indian veterinary authorities have reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in the state of Odissa. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received an immediate notification on Friday, 21 February. The outbreak was initially observed on 31 January and confirmed on 6 February. On 6 February, real-time PCR, reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and virus isolation tests were conducted on the crows at the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory in Bhopal and the tests confirmed the presence of the HPAI virus. According to the report, two house crows (Corvus splendens) were found dead. No birds were slaughtered and/or destroyed. The source of the outbreak remains inconclusive. The OIE, in conjunction with the country’s competent authorities, have disinfected infected premises/establishments to contain the situation. However, vaccination of birds has been prohibited; there has also been no treatment of affected birds.