19 May,2026 01:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. Pic/Pexels
The Maharashtra health department has decided to send samples of eight poultry workers from Nandurbar district to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for testing related to avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, officials said on Monday, reported PTI.
The move comes after bird flu cases were reported in parts of Nandurbar district in northwestern Maharashtra, prompting authorities to increase surveillance and precautionary measures in affected areas.
According to district health officials, the eight individuals selected for testing had either direct contact with infected poultry birds or were involved in culling operations carried out after the outbreak.
District Health Officer Ravindra Sonawane told PTI that the workers have not shown any symptoms associated with human avian influenza so far, but authorities are conducting tests as a preventive step.
"Samples of eight persons have been taken because they were in contact with the birds or were involved in the culling process. They have not shown any symptoms of human avian flu," Sonawane said, reported PTI.
He added that nasal swab samples collected from the workers would be sent to the Pune-based laboratory on Tuesday for detailed analysis.
Health officials said the workers are being given preventive medication to minimise any potential health risk, reported PTI.
According to the district administration, the individuals are currently receiving Tamiflu tablets as a precautionary measure while awaiting test results, reported PTI.
Officials clarified that none of the people being tested are government employees.
The health department has also intensified monitoring in the affected region following the bird flu outbreak, with veterinary and public health teams continuing surveillance activities in poultry farms and nearby villages.
Authorities in Nandurbar district have already initiated containment measures after confirmation of avian influenza among poultry birds.
Officials said culling operations were carried out in affected areas to prevent further spread of the infection. Monitoring teams are also tracking people who may have come into close contact with infected birds.
Avian influenza primarily affects birds, but health authorities globally monitor human exposure cases closely because certain strains of the virus can occasionally infect humans through prolonged or direct contact with infected poultry.
Officials from the Maharashtra health department said there is currently no indication of human-to-human transmission in the district and urged residents not to panic.
Medical teams are continuing door-to-door surveillance in affected localities while awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate poultry workers and residents about safety precautions.
The health department has also advised people involved in poultry handling to use protective equipment and immediately report symptoms such as fever, cough or breathing difficulties if they develop after contact with infected birds.
Authorities are expected to take further action based on the test reports from the National Institute of Virology.
(With inputs from PTI)
