January 31, 2026, Patna :Â The Bihar government has sounded a high alert across parts of the state after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of avian influenza following the sudden death of a large number of crows in Darbhanga district.
According to officials, around 10,000 crows have died over the past two weeks, with the Bhigo area in Ward No. 31 of Darbhanga city emerging as the epicentre of the outbreak. The unusual mortality raised concerns among residents, prompting authorities to initiate investigations and preventive measures.
Samples collected from the dead birds were sent to the Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Kolkata and the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal for examination. Laboratory findings received late on Thursday confirmed the presence of avian influenza, leading the administration to shift from surveillance to active containment.
Following the confirmation, rapid response teams were deployed to the affected localities. Personnel equipped with protective gear have been carrying out the scientific disposal of bird carcasses through deep burial and disinfection, in line with prescribed biosecurity protocols. A five-kilometre surveillance zone has also been declared around the affected area to monitor any further spread.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and veterinary officials have intensified inspections of poultry farms within and around Darbhanga. Serological surveillance is underway to detect any possible transmission of the virus to domestic birds. Officials said that no confirmed cases of infection in poultry or humans have been reported so far.
As a precautionary measure, the district administration has urged the public to avoid contact with wild or dead birds and to promptly report any unusual bird deaths to local veterinary authorities. Residents have also been advised to consume only properly cooked poultry products and maintain hygiene standards.
Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored, with teams surveying nearby districts for any signs of further spread. The state government has reiterated that timely reporting and public cooperation are critical to ensuring effective containment of the outbreak.
