Parbhani: The bird flu disease also known as Avian Influenza, that is being reported around seven states in India, has also been confirmed in Maharashtra. The Avian Influenza was confirmed in Parbhani district, where authorities will cull around 9,000 birds.

Authorities confirmed the spread of flu in Parbhani where 900 hens had been reported dead. The district administration has asked culling of about 9,000 birds. Dr Ashok Lone (Addl. charge) District Deputy Commissioner, Animal Husbandry informed on Sunday.

Their samples were sent for investigation on Saturday to identify the actual cause of the death, Parbhani District Collector Deepak Mulgikar had informed PTI. He had said, “900 hens have died in two consecutive days in Murumba village in the Marathwada region. We have taken the samples of the dead birds for investigation.”

On the other side, In Latur, 400 birds were reportedly found dead while Amravati witness deaths of 40 hens. Samples from both these areas are sent for testing.

Meanwhile, the central government has asked states to increase surveillance around water bodies, bird markets, zoos and poultry farms. The Centre also urged to ensure correct disposal of carcass and firming of bio-security in poultry farms.

Seven states, namely, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh, confirmed the bird flu crisis. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has also declared advisories to the affected states.