New Delhi (NVI): The government today confirmed the bird flu cases in Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat and suggested these states to contain the disease as per the Action Plan on Avian Influenza (AI).
According to an official statement, “So far, the disease has been confirmed from six states (Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat).”
“Central teams have been deployed to visit the affected states of Kerala, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh for monitoring and for epidemiological investigation. Culling operations have been completed in both the affected districts of Kerala and the disinfection process is underway,” the Ministry of Animal Husbandry said in a statement.
It added that states that are still unaffected by AI have been requested to keep a vigil on any unusual mortality amongst birds and to report immediately so that necessary measures are taken in the fastest possible time.
The statement also said that in Haryana, there has been confirmation of Avian Influenza positive samples from ICAR-NIHSAD in poultry (two poultry farms) of the Panchkula district. Positive samples have also been reported in migratory birds in the Junagadh district, Gujarat, and in crows in Sawai Madhopur, Pali, Jaisalmer and Mohar districts of Rajasthan.
Therefore, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has suggested the affected states to contain the disease as per the Action Plan on Avian Influenza, it said.
The ministry further said, awareness among poultry farmers and the general public (consumers of eggs and chicken) about the disease is of foremost importance.
“Communication from Secretary (AHD) has also been sent to Health Ministry to restore consumer confidence in consumption of chicken and eggs,” the statement read.
In addition, appropriate advisories have been requested to be issued from the Health Ministry so that consumer confidence affected by rumors is put to rest.
Apart from this, states have been requested to increase awareness regarding safety of poultry or poultry products that were safe for consumption following boiling or cooking procedures for which central support would be available.
Meanwhile, unusual mortality of 16 birds has also been reported in DDA park Hastsal Village, Delhi. The AH Department of NCT, has reportedly taken precautionary measures and sent samples to ICAR-NIHSAD and test report is awaited, the ministry noted.
-RJV
