Environment Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud yesterday told parliament that 21 species of migratory birds may carry avian influenza (also commonly known as bird flu) virus to Bangladesh during the winter season.

In reply to lawmakers' queries, the minister informed the House that some 244 species of migratory birds usually arrive in Bangladesh during the winter. Among them, 21 species pose the risk of carrying the virus that infects birds, including poultry.

In a scripted answer, Mahmud said One Health Bangladesh, a government organisation, with support from the ministries of home affairs; fisheries and livestock; and environment, forest and climate change, collected the blood and stool samples of migratory birds to detect the presence of avian influenza virus.

Besides, One Health Bangladesh observes November 10 as the “One Health Day” every year, to raise public awareness about avian influenza, he added.