Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

New Delhi: A meeting with the states was convened by the Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying to understand the status of the outbreak of Avian Influenza reported from Kerala, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.

The meeting aimed to suggest measures to states/UTs for control, containment, and prevention of the spread of the disease. after unusual mortality of poultry, crows, migratory birds reported in a few states.

So far, the disease has been confirmed only from four states (Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh). Culling operations are underway in the affected districts of Kerala. It was emphasized that besides increasing surveillance around water bodies, live bird markets, zoos, poultry farms, etc. Proper disposal of carcass and strengthening of biosecurity in poultry farms may be ensured.

States were requested to be prepared for any eventuality of Avian Influenza and were requested to ensure sufficient stock of PPE kits and accessories required for culling operations.

Besides ensuring collection of representative samples and timely submission to the designated laboratories State Animal Husbandry departments were requested to ensure effective communication and coordination with Health authorities for close vigilance of the disease status and avoid any chances of jumping of the disease into humans. Effective coordination with the state Forest departments was also emphasized for immediate reporting of any unusual mortalities in non-domestic birds in forest areas and around water bodies.

In addition to issuing advisories to the affected states regarding increasing and intensifying surveillance for unusual mortality of birds including wild/migratory birds, the Department has also established a central Control room to strategize, coordinate and facilitate state governments about outbreak management, disease control, and containment. Moreover, two central teams have been deployed to visit the affected states of Kerala, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh for monitoring and epidemiological investigation.

The Department along with the Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) also held a meeting on Thursday with all states’ officials of the Health Department, Animal Husbandry Departments, and State Disaster Management Authorities to take stock of preparedness and to advise on intensive surveillance in affected areas.