Bhopal, Jan 12 (IANS): Around 1,500 crows and wild birds have died so far in 41 districts of Madhya Pradesh since the outbreak of bird flu. There have been confirmed cases of bird flu across 18 districts in the state. As many as 334 samples collected from various districts have been sent for testing to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal.

Animal Husbandry Minister Prem Singh Patel has said all efforts are being made to control the spread of bird flu in the state. According to the instructions given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during video-conferencing, water sources, bird sites, zoos etc. are being constantly monitored in the state. Samples are being collected immediately and sent to the Bhopal laboratory on receiving information about birds dying.

Bird flu has been confirmed in crows and wild birds across 18 districts in the state -- Indore, Mandsaur, Agar, Neemuch, Dewas, Ujjain, Khandwa, Khargone, Guna, Shivpuri, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Vidisha, Bhopal, Hoshangabad, Ashoknagar, Datia and Barwani.