India - Gujarat takes precautionary steps against bird flu

[Gert van der Hoek]

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.
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[Commonground]

Re: India - Gujarat takes precautionary steps against bird flu

Unhygienic condition in poultry farms caused birdflu

December 20, 2008 09:22:00

Guwahati, December 19 (Agencies): The People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on Friday claimed that filthy and unhygienic condition in factory farms in Assam was the cause for outbreak of birdflu in the state. ?Filthy and unhygienic condition of factory farms lead to repeated birdflu since last year in various parts of the country and the same was cause for the spread of virus in the state?, PETA media coordinator Nikunj Sharma told a press conference here. Releasing a study conducted by the leading NGO in the last five years, Sharma claimed that filthy chicken and egg factory farms gave rise to birdflu. ?PETA had warned the Assam government about the deadly link as early as June last year but this was ignored which has given rise to the virus?, he alleged. Presenting a video footage of the unhygienic condition in the farms across the country, the PETA activist said due to the intensive confinement of the birds the deadly virus can spread like wildfire. Outbreak of birdflu every year waste public money as crores are spent as compensation.
The PETA suggests that the chicken industry improve the conditions in which birds are grown and killed, Sharma said. While there is certain welfare standards recommended by experts, the government ignored such measures which gave rise to the flu in a large scale, he alleged. Citing a copy of a letter written by the PETA to Assam government?s Director in the department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Sharma said the government was informed about the prevailing unhygienic conditions in the farms. In a subsequent letter by the government to the PETA, the government, Sharma said, had informed that the poultry farm managers were instructed to enact animal protection laws as per the guidelines of prevention of cruelty of animals. When conctacted, Shyam Mewara, Commissioner of the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry department denied any knowledge of the prior warning by the PETA about the cause of birdflu. He said that culling operations were still on in the seven affected districts of the state which are expected to be over by the next few days.