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Experts detecting cause of epidemic : Observance of safety precautions key to containing bird flu
Experts detecting cause of epidemic :
Observance of safety precautions key to containing bird flu
Syful Islam
Bangladeshi scientists so far could identify existence of H5 avian and H9 swine influenza virus in Bangladeshi chickens that have been culled fearing outbreak of bird flu in the country.
Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute and Central Disease Investigation Laboratory are working to identify the viruses that have affected Bangladesh's poultry sector and producing appropriate vaccine to protect the Tk 8,000 crore industry, sources said.Bangladesh has so far culled near about 7 lakh chickens as preventive measure against the spread of bird flu virus from one farm to another. Density of poultry farms in Bangladesh is higher than in other countries that forced culling of huge number of chickens, experts said.
Chief Veterinary Officer of the Central Veterinary Hospital Dr Mosaddique Hossain said a high-powered committee will be formed soon comprising local and foreign scientists to inquire into the cause of the outbreak.
He said there is a common thinking that avian influenza has come to Bangladesh through migratory birds. But the government is trying to identify the carriers of the virus through scientific studies. Dr Mosaddique said avian influenza spread through faeces, sneezing and eggs of chicken. There is no example that bird flu spreads through flesh of chicken. Eating of flesh and eggs through proper boiling is safe to eat.
He said appropriate safety measures by raising awareness among the poultry industry workers and owners can help save the sector from destruction. Common people are also in the same risks if they come in touch with the virus while handling poultry materials, he added.
The Chief Veterinary Officer said sellers of chicken and egg in the markets are also at high risk if they handle those without wearing aprons and hand gloves.
Dr Mosaddique laid emphasise on taking bio-safety measures in the farms and adjacent areas so that no bird can enter from outside. People should clean hands and shoes before entering farms.
"Unless people are aware of the virus and take appropriate safety measures, all the steps of the government will fall into ditch and yield no result," he said.
Poultry consumers should press the sellers to use masks and other virus preventive gadgets and help prevent the spread of bird flu, which is the responsibility of buyers, too, Dr Mosaddique said.
Observance of safety precautions key to containing bird flu
Syful Islam
Bangladeshi scientists so far could identify existence of H5 avian and H9 swine influenza virus in Bangladeshi chickens that have been culled fearing outbreak of bird flu in the country.
Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute and Central Disease Investigation Laboratory are working to identify the viruses that have affected Bangladesh's poultry sector and producing appropriate vaccine to protect the Tk 8,000 crore industry, sources said.Bangladesh has so far culled near about 7 lakh chickens as preventive measure against the spread of bird flu virus from one farm to another. Density of poultry farms in Bangladesh is higher than in other countries that forced culling of huge number of chickens, experts said.
Chief Veterinary Officer of the Central Veterinary Hospital Dr Mosaddique Hossain said a high-powered committee will be formed soon comprising local and foreign scientists to inquire into the cause of the outbreak.
He said there is a common thinking that avian influenza has come to Bangladesh through migratory birds. But the government is trying to identify the carriers of the virus through scientific studies. Dr Mosaddique said avian influenza spread through faeces, sneezing and eggs of chicken. There is no example that bird flu spreads through flesh of chicken. Eating of flesh and eggs through proper boiling is safe to eat.
He said appropriate safety measures by raising awareness among the poultry industry workers and owners can help save the sector from destruction. Common people are also in the same risks if they come in touch with the virus while handling poultry materials, he added.
The Chief Veterinary Officer said sellers of chicken and egg in the markets are also at high risk if they handle those without wearing aprons and hand gloves.
Dr Mosaddique laid emphasise on taking bio-safety measures in the farms and adjacent areas so that no bird can enter from outside. People should clean hands and shoes before entering farms.
"Unless people are aware of the virus and take appropriate safety measures, all the steps of the government will fall into ditch and yield no result," he said.
Poultry consumers should press the sellers to use masks and other virus preventive gadgets and help prevent the spread of bird flu, which is the responsibility of buyers, too, Dr Mosaddique said.