Re: India: Assam, AVIAN INFLUENZA A/H5N1 IN POULTRY (December 2008+)
Bird Flu: Alert activated
Font size: morungexpress December 11, 2008 10:35:00
Dimapur, December 10 (MExN): The state?s department of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry today said the recent unusual deaths of poultry in Kamrup district of Assam confirms of the deadly Avian Influenza. Sharing her borders with Assam, Nagaland state is vulnerable to falling prey to the infection. For this matter, the department today issued a number of tips as a preparatory, control and containment measures, for the ?rapid response team? members, poultry farmers, handlers, sellers, transporters and consumers and citizens alike.
Active surveillance is advised to detect unusual sickness and high mortality in poultry and wild birds. These events are to be reported immediately to the nearest veterinary institution and department by fastest means so that ?samples will be collected for laboratory tests to confirm the disease?. All the DVOs, Vas and RRT members are to remain in full alert and prepared. Regular visits to high-density poultry units, especially in the poultry areas by veterinary doctors are a must, the department stipulated.
Illegal; trade in poultry, eggs and poultry products is strictly advised against for the reason that the trade could be a carrier of the dreaded disease. The department also advised against ?unnecessary contact? with poultry birds, droppings and feathers. There is a risk of infection through contact. In case of contact, the hands should be thoroughly washed with plenty of soap and water, the department advised.
The department also cautioned hat symptoms of the disease can be similar to the common flu, which are, difficulty in breathing, high fever, cold running nose, sore throat, eye infections and muscle ache. This is to be reported to the medical authorities, the department advised. Further, no situation of panic should be created.
?(The) administration can play a central role in absolute ban on movement of poultry, eggs, closure of shops etc in case of outbreak of (the) disease, for appropriate intervention? the department also stated. ?Unnecessary visitors? and equipments are to be prevented from visiting or entering farms as a ?bio-security? measure, the department said.
?Keep our birds in enclosures; safe disposal of dead/culled birds and disinfections are vital steps to control the spread of the disease. Today?s awareness and preparedness is financial gain and our safety in future? the department added.
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