Officials in the eastern Indian state of Odisha alerted authorities statewide after a poultry sample from the Khordha district tested positive for H5N1 avian flu, reported 9 January 2012. After hundreds of crows died in parts of the state, officials tested about 300 birds, mostly crows and poultry. The High Security Animal Disease Laboratory in Bhopal reported 8 January 2012 that a poultry sample tested positive for H5N1. Officials asked all 30 districts to remain alert and take samples from birds that have flu-like symptoms. Less than two weeks ago, India declared itself free of avian flu, according to earlier media reports.
(CIDRAP 1/9/2012)