Bengaluru: Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar on Saturday, informed that no cases of bird flu (H5N8) have been detected in the state and that all tests conducted so far have come back negative.

Speaking to reporters here, Sudhakar said, “Tests have been done and all reports have come back negative so far. There is no bird flu in Karnataka so far.”

Karnataka is already on high alert after the avian influenza was reported in several states along the border including Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. Six crows were recently found dead in the Dakshina Kannada district and their samples have been sent for testing to find out the cause of death.

On Friday, Animal Husbandry Minister Prabhu Chauhan had also informed that no bird flu cases have been detected and that officials have been directed to remain vigilant.

He had held a high-level meeting of senior officials from different departments concerned. Chauhan instructed that a meeting be held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioners in all districts to be vigilant and take all necessary precautionary measures against the disease, a release stated.

It can be recalled that the import of poultry products from Kerala has been banned in Karnataka.

Chauhan added that the people can consume meat and eggs without fear and that import of poultry products from other states has not been banned.

(with PTI inputs)