Srinagar, Feb 1 (KNS): Authorities on Monday confirmed the samples collected from dead crows in Srinagar have tested positive of Avian influenza.
Distrct Adminstration Srinagar said that 
Samples from dead crows lifted near the Delhi Public School at Athwajan and the Flood Spill Channel at Peerbagh have tested positive for avian influenza – H5N8 strain – as per a report received from the ICAR-NISHAD Bhopal.
"Now in accordance with the stipulated guidelines a 10-kilometer radius area around each of the said locations has been declared as alert zone — where among other measures surveillance and sampling will be conducted to ascertain and prevent the spread," it added.

Earlier Authorities had  confirmed Avian Flu (Bird Flu) among the crows and migratory birds in the Valley on 23th of December.

The Bird Flu cases were confirmed days after the  ban on import of poultry was lifted in the Union Territory.

Officials had informed KNS said that Avain flu has been reported at four places among migratory birds and crows only while no case of Avain flu has been reported in poultry birds so far.

Avain flu was earlier confirmed in Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Budgam districts in Kashmir.

Acting swiftly , Government has directed for surveillance within one km radius where the cases were reported and asked for samples from Poultry farms also, they said.

Meanwhile Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary in a tweet had said, "Human or Poultry contact with Wild/Migratory birds (like feeding sources) needs to be strictly avoided,” (KNS)