Check birds for any unusual fatality, Centre tells states as avian flu reported from 12 sites

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 6

All states have been asked to keep a vigil on any unusual mortality among birds and to report immediately to take necessary measures, according to an official statement by the Union Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

It said ater confirmation of positive samples from ICAR-NIHSAD, avian influenza (AI) has been reported from the following states (at 12 epicentres): Rajasthan (crow) — Baran, Kota, Jhalawar; Madhya Pradesh (crow) — Mandsaur, Indore, Malwa; Himachal Pradesh (migratory birds) — Kangra; Kerala (poultry duck) — Kottayam, Allapuzha (4 epicentres).

Accordingly, an advisory has been issued each to the states of Rajasthan and MP on January 1 to avoid further spread of the infection. As per the information received from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, control measures have been taken as per the guidelines of the National Action Plan of Avian Influenza.

Another advisory has been issued on January 5 to HP advising it to take measures to avoid further spread of disease to poultry. As per the report received, Kerala has already initiated control and containment operations at epicentres and culling process is in operation.

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, has also set up a control room in New Delhi to keep watch on the situation and to take stock on daily basis of preventive and control measures undertaken by state authorities.

The measures suggested the affected states to contain the disease and prevent further spread as per the Action Plan on Avian Influenza, including strengthening the biosecurity of poultry farms, disinfection of affected areas, proper disposal of dead birds/carcasses, timely collection and submission of samples for confirmation and further surveillance, intensification of surveillance plan as well as the general guidelines for prevention of disease spread from affected birds to poultry and human. Coordination with forest department for reporting any unusual mortality of birds was also suggested to the states.

The other states were also requested to keep a vigil on any unusual mortality among birds and to report immediately to take necessary measures, it added.