The Jammu and Kashmir government has sounded the bird flu alert in the entire state and cautioned people not to buy and accept birds.
"Though not confirmed in India and also in Jammu and Kashmir, the World Health Organisation has intimated us to be cautious,"' the state Department of Widlife Protection said in Srinagar Thursday.
Migratory birds are believed to be the carriers of Bird flu, it said adding, the Wildlife Department is working to ascertain the facts.
"However, all the people, particularly those living in close proximity to water bodies, are cautioned to avoid leaving their ducks in wetlands and use the water that may be polluted with diseased or dead infected wild birds," the department added.
The Wildlife Department urged the general public to ensure that birds are not killed in wetlands, water bodies or anywhere in inundated paddy fields, local village ponds or in water logged areas.
"All are requested not to indulge in illegal trade of any nature of such birds. It is not only illegal, but may also carry bird flu and prove a killing ghost within two to three days of infection," it added.
"Don't kill, buy and accept birds (shikar and pachen)," the department said.
More from rediff