New Delhi:So far Avian Influenza had been confirmed only from four states (Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh). Culling operations are underway in the affected districts of Kerala, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, stated. It emphasised that that besides increasing surveillance around water bodies, live bird markets, zoos, poultry farms, proper disposal of carcass and strengthening of bio-security in poultry farms may be ensured. It further requested states to be prepared for any eventuality of Avian Influenza and were told to ensure sufficient stock of PPE kits and accessories required for culling operations.
The Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying on January 7, also held a meeting with the states to understand the status of the outbreak of Avian Influenza and to suggest measures to states/union territories for control, containment and prevention of spread of the disease, after the recent unusual mortality of poultry, crows, migratory birds were reported from Kerala, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.
Besides ensuring collection of representative samples and timely submission to the designated laboratories (RDDLs/CDDL/ICAR-NIHSAD) State Animal Husbandry departments have now been asked to ensure effective communication and coordination with Health authorities for close vigilance of the disease status and avoid any chances of jumping of the disease into humans.Effective coordination with the state Forest departments was also emphasised for immediate reporting of any unusual mortalities in non-domestic birds in forest areas and around water bodies.
Besides issuing advisories to the affected states regarding increasing and intensifying surveillance for unusual mortality of birds including wild / migratory birds, the government also deployed two central teams to visit the affected states of Kerala, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh for monitoring and for epidemiological investigation.
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying along with Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) also held a meeting with all states’ officials of Health Department, Animal Husbandry Departments and State Disaster Management Authorities to take stock of preparedness and to advise on intensive surveillance in affected areas.
“Awareness among poultry farmers and general public (consumers of eggs and chicken) about the disease is of foremost importance. So States have been asked to quell consumer reactions, affected by rumours and increase awareness regarding safety of poultry or poultry products that were safe for consumption following boiling / cooking procedures,” an official release stated.
– global bihari bureau
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