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Gujarat takes precautionary steps against bird flu
Ahmedabad, Dec 19 : The Gujarat government is all braced to prevent bird flu in the state, after the Central Health Department warned that migratory birds are behind the outbreak of the disease in parts of Assam and West Bengal.
According to officials, three species of migratory birds -- Bar-headed Geese, the Large Cormorant and the Large Black-headed Gull--which are believed to be the main carriers of the disease, migrate from Central Asia to Gujarat during the winters.
The state has arranged a surveillance at the wetlands, where the migratory birds come in the winter, and also at poultry farms on daily basis in accordance with the guidelines sent by the Union government. A state-level committee to monitor bird flu prevention arrangement, has asked all the district administration to immediately inform any signs of bird flu in their areas. They are also provided guidance to cull the flu-affected birds.
At least 4,000 healthcare employees, including veterinary doctors and para-veterinary staff, forest and health department workers, have been trained to tackle the bird flu cases. They have been given personal protective care kits. The State Animal Husbandry Department recently sent samples of 97 migratory birds and 5,800 chickens to the Bhopal Animal Diseases Laboratory. However, the samples tested negative, sources said.
The government is taking extra precautions, as earlier in February, 2006, Surat in South Gujarat witnessed an outbreak of bird flu after the disease brokeout in the neighbouring Maharashtra, sources said.
Gujarat, with 20 wetlands and huge bird sanctuaries, is a preferred breeding ground for migratory birds mainly from the Central Asia.
Ahmedabad, Dec 19 : The Gujarat government is all braced to prevent bird flu in the state, after the Central Health Department warned that migratory birds are behind the outbreak of the disease in parts of Assam and West Bengal.
According to officials, three species of migratory birds -- Bar-headed Geese, the Large Cormorant and the Large Black-headed Gull--which are believed to be the main carriers of the disease, migrate from Central Asia to Gujarat during the winters.
The state has arranged a surveillance at the wetlands, where the migratory birds come in the winter, and also at poultry farms on daily basis in accordance with the guidelines sent by the Union government. A state-level committee to monitor bird flu prevention arrangement, has asked all the district administration to immediately inform any signs of bird flu in their areas. They are also provided guidance to cull the flu-affected birds.
At least 4,000 healthcare employees, including veterinary doctors and para-veterinary staff, forest and health department workers, have been trained to tackle the bird flu cases. They have been given personal protective care kits. The State Animal Husbandry Department recently sent samples of 97 migratory birds and 5,800 chickens to the Bhopal Animal Diseases Laboratory. However, the samples tested negative, sources said.
The government is taking extra precautions, as earlier in February, 2006, Surat in South Gujarat witnessed an outbreak of bird flu after the disease brokeout in the neighbouring Maharashtra, sources said.
Gujarat, with 20 wetlands and huge bird sanctuaries, is a preferred breeding ground for migratory birds mainly from the Central Asia.
