Announcement

**Diane Morin** · January 19, 2009, 02:45 PM

Re: India: Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens in Sikkim

Bird flu in Sikkim

Special Correspondent

KOLKATA: There has been an outbreak of bird flu in the Ravangla area of Sikkim?s south district, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Animal Husbandry K. Subba, told The Hindu over telephone on Monday.
?Samples of 33 dead poultry birds had been sent to the High Security Disease Laboratory in Bhopal for tests. That the deaths were caused by bird flu was officially confirmed on Sunday,? Ms. Subba said.

Steps are being taken for the culling of birds in the affected region.
?There is a proposal for destroying about 20,000 birds but since there is no report of the disease spreading we will determine the final numbers to be culled after two or three days,? she added.

Steps are also being taken to prevent the supply of poultry products from the Ravangla area to other parts of the State. ?We have already banned all imports of poultry birds from other States since bird flu was reported in Assam more than a month ago,? Ms. Subba said.

http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/20/stories/2009012056840300.htm

**Shiloh** · January 19, 2009, 03:52 PM

Re: India: Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens in Sikkim

Source: http://www.topnews.in/sikkim-grip-bird-flu-2112265

Sikkim in grip of bird flu
Submitted by Piyush Diwan on Mon, 01/19/2009 - 20:33.

Officials confirmed the presence of deadly H5N1 virus in Sikkim's South district. High Security Diseases Laboratory in Bhopal confirmed the presence of the deadly virus in samples of 30 birds that were sent to it for testing.

Animal husbandry and veterinary services department joint director K C Bhutia said: "We are awaiting the arrival of a Central team following which the culling operations would start in the affected region in which between 5,000 and 8,000 birds will be culled."

Bhutia added that besides the culling operations, measures had been taken to prevent supply of poultry products from Ravangla locality to other parts of the state.

**Gert van der Hoek** · January 20, 2009, 03:55 AM

Re: India: Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens in Sikkim

Bird flu spreads to Sikkim in northeast India

20 Jan 2009

Source: Reuters

GUWAHATI, India, Jan 20 (Reuters) - The deadly H5N1 bird flu virus has been found in dead poultry and wild birds in India's northeastern state of Sikkim, which borders China and Nepal, and authorities plan to start culling poultry soon, an official said on Tuesday.

Officials will initially cull an estimated 15,000 chickens and ducks after samples of more than 30 dead birds from Ravangla area in the southern part of the mountainous state tested positive in a federal laboratory.

The affected area borders West Bengal state, which has been grappling with intermittent outbreaks of the virus since 2007.

"Bird flu has been confirmed in Sikkim and we are waiting for the central team of experts to come here," said K.C. Bhutia, a senior veterinary official in the state capital, Gangtok.

- snip -

Thomson Reuters: Clarifying the complex

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/B285655.htm

Thomson Reuters empowers professionals with cutting-edge technology solutions informed by industry-leading content and expertise.

**Shiloh** · January 20, 2009, 03:05 PM

Re: India: Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens in Sikkim

Source: http://www.samaylive.com/news/over-1...ne/605173.html

Over 1,000 birds culled in Sikkim on day one
Published: Tue, 20 Jan 2009 at 18:22 IST

Gangtok, Jan 20 : Culling of poultry began today in Sikkim with nearly 1,000 birds killed in bird flu-affected Ravangla area in South district.

Bird flu was confirmed in the locality after samples of 30 birds which died in Ravangla tested positive at the High Security Diseases Laboratory in Bhopal.

Culling operations will be carried out within three-km radius of the epicentre of the affected area, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department Joint Director K C Bhutia told PTI.

Between 5,000 and 8,000 birds would be culled in the area, he said.

According to Bhutia, nine teams of volunteers have been set up for the task while an equal number of teams from the health department have been involved in sanitisation of the affected areas and other places across the state, Bhutia said.

Bird flu broke out in Ravangla region last week and claimed 33 birds.

**Shiloh** · January 20, 2009, 04:38 PM

Re: India: Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens in Sikkim

Source: http://www.thestatesman.net/page.new...ss=1&id=240881

Bird Flu in Sikkim

Statesman News Service

GANGTOK, Jan. 20: Bird Flu has been confirmed in Sikkim. The disease was first detected at Rabangla in South Sikkim following some chicken deaths. Samples of the dead birds were sent to Bhopal for tests. The tests have proved positive for flu.

In a meeting attended by chief minister Mr Pawan Chamling, it has been decided that strict measures have to be taken to prevent the spread of the disease to other parts of the state. The chief minister has directed the principal secretary, animal husbandry and veterinary services to obtain necessary medicine so that culling operations could be started at the earliest.
The chief minister has also directed the department to create awareness among the public regarding the disease and police department has been directed to ensure no poultry product sneaked into the state from outside. The CM has sought regular feedbacks on the situation and the steps taken regarding the same.

The state government of Sikkim has decided to allot Rs100 per full-grown chicken culled and Rs 15 for chicks. The principal secretary AHVS apprised the CM about the steps taken by his department. According to department officials, certain steps like spraying vehicles with chemicals at the entry points to Sikkim have begun. ?The passengers are being asked to come out of the vehicles they are travelling in and walk on disinfectant layers of carpets,? the officials said.

The import of poultry products was banned from 17 December 2008 in Sikkim. The authorities have now banned the sale of local poultry products too. The Bird Flu affected area in Rabangla has been sealed as a precautionary measure. It is being feared that the disease would endanger about 550 species of birds other than poultry in the Himalayan state.

The situation has caused concern among the local poultry traders. Some poultry traders in Gangtok expressed disappointment on the issue today and said they would face serious financial loss, as the ban on poultry is likely to continue for a period of time. The last such ban in 2008, lasted for about nine months in Sikkim.

**Shiloh** · January 20, 2009, 09:17 PM

Re: India: Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens in Sikkim

Source: http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=30..210109.jan09

3 kms radius 'affected zone', 10 kms radius 'surveillance zone'
Source: Hueiyen News Service / From agency

Gangtok, January 20 2009: WEST DISTRICT administration, State animal husbandry department and other line departments have cobbled all their resources together to contain further outbreak in the bird flu hit Ravangla subdivision.

At the same time, culling process in the affected and periphery regions are expected to begin from tomorrow provided that a GoI team with a stock of Temi Flu tablets arrive.

Speaking to Sikkim Express over phone, DC (West) D Anandan said that a Rapid Response Team (RRT) from the Union government along with Tami Flu tablets are reaching the affected area tomorrow.

Tami Flu is an anti-influenza drug that may be able to significantly reduce the severity of influenza, including the H5N1 bird flu strain, provided the patient begins taking it within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms.

This drug is only provided by the Central team.

The tablets are to be given to each member of the culling team before they enter the fields to cull the chickens in the affected areas.

Without these tablets, going for culling in affected areas is very dangerous.

The members are supposed to take the tablets for at least 10 days even after the culling operation is complete.

Mr.Anandan informed the administration has identified areas falling within 3 kms radius of the affected parts of Golitar, 14th Mile Kewzing and Ravangla as 'affected zone' while a 10 kms radius area has been identified as 'surveillance zone'.

**Shiloh** · January 21, 2009, 07:37 AM

Re: India: Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens in Sikkim

Source: http://www.samaylive.com/news/centra...im/605386.html

Central team sent to bird flu-affected Sikkim
Wed, 21 Jan 2009 at 17:48 IST

New Delhi, Jan 21 : With bird flu spreading to Sikkim, the Union Health Ministry has sent a team to the north-eastern state to help the authorities in micro planning and contain the disease.

Informative material such as radio and television spots in Nepali language have been dispatched to state health authorities while other materials such as fliers and posters are being electronically transferred to the state to carry out appropriate local campaign.

The health ministry has supplied 6,000 capsules of Oseltamivir, 5,000 three-layered surgical masks, 100 Personal Protective Equipment and 100 masks, senior Health Ministry officials said.

"The situation is being monitored on a daily basis," they said.

Culling of poultry began yesterday in Sikkim with nearly 1,000 birds slaughtered in bird flu-affected Ravangla area in South district.

Bird flu was confirmed in the locality after samples of 30 birds which died in Ravangla tested positive at the High Security Diseases Laboratory in Bhopal.

**Shiloh** · January 21, 2009, 10:52 AM

Re: India: Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens in Sikkim

Source: http://www.samaylive.com/news/cullin...im/605432.html
Culling on in Sikkim
Wed, 21 Jan 2009 at 21:03 IST

Gangtok, Jan 21 : Nearly 2,000 poultry birds have been culled since Tuesday in bird flu-affected Ravangla region in Sikkim's South district, a senior official today said.

Volunteers of the health department killed nearly 1,000 birds in 154 households located within three-km radius of Ravangla during the day, joint director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department K C Bhutia told PTI here.

Over 1000 were culled in the area yesterday.

It has been decided to cull between 5,000 and 8,000 birds in the affected region during week-long culling operations, Bhutia said.

Nine teams, comprising seven volunteers each, are carrying out the culling operations, while three other teams are involved in surveillance, Bhutia said.

The affected area has been sealed and no vehicle is being allowed to enter or leave it in order to contain the spread of avian influenza.

Besides culling operations, officials also gave Rs 80,000 as compensation to poultry farmers whose birds were culled, Bhutia said.

**Shiloh** · January 21, 2009, 05:30 PM

Re: India: Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens in Sikkim

Source: http://www.thestatesman.net/page.new...ss=1&id=240982

Culling starts in Sikkim

Statesman News Service
GANGTOK, Jan. 21: Animal husbandry and veterinary services employees culled 10,160 chickens at the Bird Flu affected area of Rabangla till this evening while more are in the process of being culled. The collector of South district (Namchi), Mr D Anandan, said: ?Nine rapid response teams have been formed to take care and action against Bird Flu in Rabangla. A ban on the sale of poultry was imposed in South Sikkim on 15 January even before the confirmation of Avian Flu from the high security animal disease laboratory, Bhopal. The movement of vehicles from the infected zone has been restricted. Areas within a 3 km radius of the Bird Flu epicentre have been declared an affected zone.?
The disease seems to have affected poultry in three areas so far ~ at Rabangla, Golitar and Fourteenth Mile in South Sikkim. The culling personnel have been quarantined in a particular hotel far from the market area. Medical checks are being held for the culling personnel and only those found physically fit are allowed culling duty while those not in good health are not being pushed into such duty.
According to the officials, the culled birds are being properly buried. No incident of infection in birds other than chicken or human beings have occurred so far. Domesticated birds like pigeons, swans and ducks etc. in the affected zone would be culled and team from New Delhi has arrived to assist and supervise the exercise. The team is stationed at Rabangla and would remain there till the culling continues. The Central team has also brought equipment and Tami Flu tablets.
The department of animal husbandry is also engaged in surveillance. The culling operation is likely to continue for another few days. The district collector added that the farmers were being compensated Rs 100 for full grown chicken Rs 15 for chicks and Rs 100 per dozen eggs.

**HenryN** · January 22, 2009, 10:55 AM

Re: India: Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens in Sikkim

Bird flu scare hits northeast India

<LI class=cnnHiliteHeader _extended="true">Story Highlights <LI _extended="true">Health ministry: 1,139 birds culled since Tuesday in the northeastern state
<LI _extended="true">No reports in India so far of any human infection from the disease
<LI _extended="true">Authorities close poultry, egg markets within a 10 km radius of outbreak
Next Article in World ?<SCRIPT type=text/javascript _extended="true">if(window.location.pathname.index Of('/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/01/22/china.tainted.milk/index.html')!=-1){var nxtStryCSIMgr = CSIManager.getInstance().call('/.element/ssi/auto/2.0/sect/WORLD/nextStory0.exclude.html','','cnnNextStoryCSI');} if(window.location.pathname.indexOf('/2009/WORLD/americas/01/22/gitmo.pakistan.lawsuit/index.html')!=-1){var nxtStryCSIMgr = CSIManager.getInstance().call('/.element/ssi/auto/2.0/sect/WORLD/nextStory1.exclude.html','','cnnNextStoryCSI');} if(window.location.pathname.indexOf('/2009/WORLD/africa/01/22/zimbabwe.cholera/index.html')!=-1){var nxtStryCSIMgr = CSIManager.getInstance().call('/.element/ssi/auto/2.0/sect/WORLD/nextStory2.exclude.html','','cnnNextStoryCSI');} if(window.location.pathname.indexOf('/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/01/22/sril.lanka.tamil.tigers/index.html')!=-1){var nxtStryCSIMgr = CSIManager.getInstance().call('/.element/ssi/auto/2.0/sect/WORLD/nextStory3.exclude.html','','cnnNextStoryCSI');} if(window.location.pathname.indexOf('/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/01/22/pakistan.militant.arrest/index.html')!=-1){var nxtStryCSIMgr = CSIManager.getInstance().call('/.element/ssi/auto/2.0/sect/WORLD/nextStory4.exclude.html','','cnnNextStoryCSI');} if(window.location.pathname.indexOf('/2009/WORLD/africa/01/21/rwanda.congo/index.html')!=-1){var nxtStryCSIMgr = CSIManager.getInstance().call('/.element/ssi/auto/2.0/sect/WORLD/nextStory5.exclude.html','','cnnNextStoryCSI');} if(window.location.pathname.indexOf('/2009/WORLD/americas/01/21/fidel.castro.inauguration/index.html')!=-1){var nxtStryCSIMgr = CSIManager.getInstance().call('/.element/ssi/auto/2.0/sect/WORLD/nextStory6.exclude.html','','cnnNextStoryCSI');} if(window.location.pathname.indexOf('/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/01/21/china.economy/index.html')!=-1){var nxtStryCSIMgr = CSIManager.getInstance().call('/.element/ssi/auto/2.0/sect/WORLD/nextStory7.exclude.html','','cnnNextStoryCSI');} if(window.location.pathname.indexOf('/2009/WORLD/meast/01/21/israel.gaza/index.html')!=-1){var nxtStryCSIMgr = CSIManager.getInstance().call('/.element/ssi/auto/2.0/sect/WORLD/nextStory8.exclude.html','','cnnNextStoryCSI');} </SCRIPT>

<SCRIPT language=JavaScript type=text/javascript _extended="true">var clickExpire = "-1";</SCRIPT>By CNN's Harmeet Shah Singh


NEW DELHI, India (CNN) -- India has culled more than 1,000 birds after discovering several cases of avian influenza among poultry in Sikkim, authorities said Thursday.
 A health worker spreads disinfectant at a village in eastern India on January 7, 2009.

According to India's federal health ministry, health workers have culled 1,139 birds since Tuesday in the northeastern state, which borders Nepal and China.
There have been no reports in India so far of any human infection from the disease, which has also hit the Assam and West Bengal states.
The animal health workers involved in the culling operation are being given preventative treatment to help protect them against the disease, the health ministry said.
Authorities have closed all poultry and egg markets within a 10 km (6 mile) radius of the outbreak, and are culling all birds within a 3 km (about 2 mile) radius, the government said.
Farmers will be compensated for the loss of their livestock, a government statement said.

Federal health officials have been sent to the state to assist state authorities in dealing with bird flu, the health ministry said.

Bird flu scare hits northeast India - CNN.com

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/01/22/india.bird.flu/index.html

India has culled more than 1,000 birds after discovering several cases of avian influenza among poultry in Sikkim, authorities said Thursday.

**Giuseppe** · January 22, 2009, 12:56 PM

Re: India: Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens in Sikkim

Highly pathogenic avian influenza, India (1/22/2009) [WAHID Interface - OIE]

Highly pathogenic avian influenza, India

Information received on 22/01/2009 from Mr Natarajan Gokulram, Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, New Delhi, India

-- Summary
Report type Follow-up report No. 6
Start date 21/11/2008
Date of first confirmation of the event 27/11/2008
Report date 21/01/2009
Date submitted to OIE 22/01/2009
Reason for notification Reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence 11/2008
Manifestation of disease Clinical disease
Causal agent Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus Serotype H5N1
Nature of diagnosis Laboratory (basic), Laboratory (advanced)
This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
Related reports
* Immediate notification (28/11/2008)
* Follow-up report No. 1 (11/12/2008)
* Follow-up report No. 2 (17/12/2008)
* Follow-up report No. 3 (19/12/2008)
* Follow-up report No. 4 (02/01/2009)
* Follow-up report No. 5 (13/01/2009)
* Follow-up report No. 6 (21/01/2009)

-- New outbreaks

- Outbreak 1 - Hospital Road, Ravongla Municipality, South Sikkim, SIKKIM
Date of start of the outbreak 16/01/2009
Outbreak status Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit Village
Affected animals: Species - Susceptible - Cases - Deaths - Destroyed - Slaughtered
* Birds - 86 - 9 - 8 - ... - ...

-- Summary of outbreaks
Total outbreaks: 1
Outbreak statistics: Species - Apparent morbidity rate - Apparent mortality rate - Apparent case fatality rate - Proportion susceptible animals lost*
* Birds - 10.47% - 9.30% - 88.89% - **
* Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter
** Not calculated because of missing information

-- Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
* Unknown or inconclusive

-- Epidemiological comments
- Epidemiological investigation is ongoing. Stamping out of all domestic poultry is being applied in an approximately 3-km-radius zone around the outbreaks followed by compensation of the owners.
- An intensive surveillance campaign has been launched in a 10-km-radius zone including:
- closure of poultry markets and prohibition on sale and transportation of poultry products in the infected zone;
- disinfection of premises after culling and sealing of premises where appropriate.
- Restocking will be permitted in accordance with protocol followed in this regard.

-- Control measures
Measures applied
* Stamping out
* Quarantine
* Movement control inside the country
* Screening
* No vaccination
* No treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied
* Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
* Dipping / Spraying

-- Diagnostic test results
Laboratory name and type High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal (National laboratory)
Tests and results: Species - Test - Test date - Result
* Birds - real-time PCR - 18/01/2009 - Positive
* Birds - reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) - 18/01/2009 - Positive

-- Future Reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
-

<cite cite="http://www.oie.int/wahis/public.php?page=single_report&pop=1&reportid=7710" >WAHID Interface - OIE World Animal Health Information Database</cite>

**Shiloh** · January 22, 2009, 06:30 PM

Re: India: Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens in Sikkim

Source: http://www.thestatesman.net/page.new...ss=1&id=241129

Culling continues in Sikkim

GANGTOK, Jan. 22: Authorities in Sikkim culled 2,125 chickens at Rabangla in South District (Sikkim) following the detection of Bird Flu in the area, said Dr MK Rai, joint director, animal husbandry and veterinary services, South district, Sikkim. It is learnt that 157 houses owning backyard chickens were affected. The authority also destroyed 611 eggs. A Union health ministry team has arrived at Rabangla with 5,000 surgical masks, 6,000 OSELTAMIVIR capsules, 100 personal protective equipment and100 N-95 masks. They are also monitoring the situation.
Bird Flu was confirmed in Rabangla on 18 January. All steps required to prevent the disease from spreading were obtained. Culling teams are working deep into the night to complete the exercise within the shortest possible period. n SNS

**Giuseppe** · January 23, 2009, 05:55 AM

Re: India: Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens in Sikkim

India. Status report on Avian Influenza in Sikkim as on 22.01.09 13:32 IST - PIB Press Release

Status report on Avian Influenza in Sikkim as on 22.01.09 13:32 IST

- Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries has notified outbreak of Avian Influenza in poultry in the Hospital Road locality of Ravongla Municipality in South Sikkim District on 19.1.2009.
- Containment measures are continuing.
? Culling started on 20.1.2009 and so far 2104 birds have been culled.
? Animal health workers involved in culling have been medically examined and are on chemoprophylaxis.
? The central rapid response team from MOHFW has prepared the micro plan and active house to house surveillance is to begin on 23.1.2009.
- Central RRT have trained health care workers for surveillance activities.
? Isolation facilities have been set up at PHC Ravongla.
? I.E.C activities with miking has started in the area.
? Control Room established in Ravongla.
? There is adequate stock of Oseltamivir and PPE with the State.
? The situation is monitored on a daily basis.

DS/GK/flu-444
-

<cite cite="http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=46939">PIB Press Release</cite>

**Shiloh** · January 27, 2009, 08:18 AM

Re: India: Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens in Sikkim

Source: http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=46993

Status Report on Avian Influenza outbreak in Sikkim as on 26.01.09
11:8 IST
Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries has notified outbreak of Avian Influenza in poultry in the Hospital Road locality of Ravongla Municipality in South Sikkim District on 19.1.2009. Containment measures are continuing.

? Culling started on 20.1.2009 and so far 4091 birds have been culled. Culling operations are over.

? 142 Animal health workers involved in culling operations are on chemoprophylaxis.

? Active house-to-house human surveillance is continuing. In 0-3 Km area the total population of 5171 is being covered on daily basis. Seven cases of URI with fever have been identified but have no exposure history.

? In the 3-10 km area the total population is 19699 out of which 9732 were covered on 25.01.2009. Twenty-six cases of fever with URI have been detected but none of them has any history of exposure to infected poultry.

? In the identified health facility at PHC Ravongla, six cases were identified with URI and fever but have no exposure history.

? Isolation facilities have been set up at PHC Ravongla. Critical care treatment facility has been strengthened in STNM Hospital, Gangtok. Two ventilators have been supplied by MOHFW to strengthen this centre.

? IEC material for print and visual media in Nepali language has been provided to the State Govt.

? There is adequate stock of Oseltamivir and PPE with the State.

? Daily reports are received from the Control Room established in Ravongla.

? The central rapid response team from MOHFW is assisting the local health authorities. Situation is monitored on a daily basis. As of now there is no suspect human case of avian influenza.

DS/GK/flu-446

**HenryN** · January 27, 2009, 12:44 PM

Re: India: Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens in Sikkim

Fears of bird flu in Sikkim

Published: January 27,2009

Gangtok , Jan 27 The unnatural death of 40 chicken near Maaling locality of Sikkim&aposs North district during the weekend has created fresh fears of bird flu in other parts of the state.
The sample of the dead chicken have been sent to the High Security Animal Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory at Bhopal for examination, animal husbandry and veterinary department joint director K C Bhutia said.
It may be mentioned that avian influenza had broken out in Ravangla area in South district earlier this month and the department had culled about 4000 birds and sanitised the entire affected area within a radius of 3 km. The operation had ended late last week.
The animal husbandry officials had attributed the outbreak of bird flu to the illegal supply of poultry products from outside the state.
The government had last month banned the import of poultry products from outside the state following the outbreak of the disease in neighbouring West Bengal and Assam.

http://www.indopia.in/India-usa-uk-news/latest-news/488219/National/1/20/1

Announcement

India: Bird Flu Confirmed in Chickens in Sikkim

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