Bird Flu: Tripura issues alert, poultry from Kerala banned in South Kannada

Agartala:Tripura government has issued alert on the threat of highly-pathogenic Avian Influenza following it’s recent outbreak in Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh among birds and sudden death of a large number of egg laying ducks in a private firm here.The veterinary officials have collected the samples to ascertain the reason for duck deathsand ensured safe disposal of the birds. The officials have also strengthened surveillance around the area and issued special advisory for the poultry firms.

Director of Animal Resources Development Dr K Sasikumar advised all farms to keep a

strict vigil and watch out for any unusual mortality, sickness in birds (poultry, ducks as well

as wild, migratory birds). If any doubtful case is observed near any water bodies, it should be reported immediately to the nearest veterinary institute.

He advised the district administrations to go for public awareness about the risk of bird fluto the avian and human population besides, advising people not to be scared unnecessarily.

To ensure the surveillance work, bio-security is carried out as per the surveillance plan on Avian Influenza including collection of samples from the suspected cases, cloacal swab,tracheal swab, excreta under regular sero-surveillance.

“Extensive education information and communication campaign along with forest personnel

to inform all concerned including the general public on the perceived threat of bird flu and of

the steps to be taken to prevent its spread and in case any symptoms or any unusual mortality

are noticed, to report the concerned authorities,” the order mentioned.

According to report, the state government has proposed to form rapid response teams as per requirement with a target to complete control and containment operation in the quickest possible time, in case laboratory results confirm any outbreak. However, the entire farm incharge was asked to continue regular sanitation procedure with strong veridical disinfectant.

Dakshina Kannada DC bans supply of poultry from Kerala

Mangaluru:As a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of H5N8 avian influenza, Deputy Commissioner K.V. Rajendra has issued a notification barring transportation of poultry from Kerala into Dakshina Kannada.

In a notification issued Dr Rajendra said that vehicles taking poultry from Dakshina Kannada to Kerala should be disinfected while re-entering the district after offloading material there.

Asking poultry farm managements to be vigilant, Dr. Rajendra said that the managers should ensure cleanliness of their premises. People should keep a close watch on birds in the sanctuary and also at water bodies. Veterinarians should regularly visit poultry farms in their areas.

In case of unnatural deaths of chicken and other birds, people should immediately report them to veterinary officials. The departments of Health and Family Welfare and Animal Husbandry have taken precautionary measures and there was no need for people to panic, he said.

The carcass of a crow suspected to have been infected by H5N8 avian influenza has been sent for tests at the South Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (SRDDL) of the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals in Hebbal, Bengaluru.

According to sources, this crow was among the four found dead at Manjanady, which borders Kasaragod district of Kerala.(UNI)