Could be via illegally transported poultry from Bangladesh, China and Myanmar. China and Bangladesh reported bird flu in chickens this year. Migratory birds, wild ducks natural carriers but in this case, cause yet to be determined.

Should people in other areas of the country be worried?

No. Only ones at risk are those involved in slaughter, preparation of meat that may be infected. The outbreak appears to be very localized. Also bird flu is not a food-borne virus so eating chicken is safe. But WHO recommends that to be absolutely safe all meat should be cooked to a temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius. Eggs should also be thoroughly cooked.

Didn’t India declare itself free of bird flu in August 2006?

Yes. After the outbreak in Feb 2006, control and containment were carried out in affected areas, more than 170,000 samples have been tested since. No fresh outbreak was reported after April 2006. When no fresh cases are reported within six months of an outbreak, the region is considered free of bird flu.

So does this outbreak change that status?

Yes, but poultry industry isn’t too worried this time. This is a remote village, it has affected backyard poultry in one farm. No trade of eggs or meat takes place from there. Some exports may be hit as there are extra-cautious countries who don’t accept meat or eggs from countries where bird flu has been detected.