ICAR replies to criticisms
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, April 25 2015 :
ICAR NEH Regional Centre, Lam-phelpat has clarified to cri- ticisms made by various sec-tions regarding its responsi- bility with regard to the outbreak of Bird Flu (H1N1 Avian Influenza) in Manipur.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, Dr Blessa Sailo, Scientist (ICAR) of Veterinary and Public Health said that heavy rain on April 5 blew away the ICAR poultry unit and five birds were killed.
Taking precautionary measures for that, samples were sent to the State Department for Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, where the cause of death was identified as Ranikhet disease.
Till much later, the condition of the remaining birds did not improve.
Subsequently ICAR Centre decided to send a sample to ICAR- National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal for further investigations and 'not for detection of Bird Flu' .
Dr Sailo also mentioned that the symptoms of Rani-khet disease and Avian In- fluenza are almost similar and it is very difficult to differentiate the diseases by just observing the symptoms.
The scientist also stated that the virus infecting the poultry birds came from unknown sources as the poultry birds in the ICAR poultry unit were 32 weeks old and not a single bird or egg was imported from outside the state since September, 2014 .
It may be mentioned that once the virus attacks the bird, they start showing symptoms within 48 hours, and this virus can spread though poultry bird droppings, air, feed, migratory birds and mechanical means.
The ICAR-NIHSAD Bhopal detected the sample sent as Avian Influenza (H5N1) and the result was communicated to the Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry Dairying and Fisheries (DADF), Ministry of Agriculture, Govt of India on April 18 with a copy endorsed to Animal Husbandry Commissioner, DADF, New Delhi and to Joint Secretary, MOS, Krishi Bhawan Delhi.
The same communication was also received by the State Government of Manipur, which in turn, intimated to the departments concerned.
So, the question of not communicating by NIHSAD Bhopal to ICAR Manipur Centre does not arise here, he added.
Further, Dr Sailo also said that ICAR-NIHSAD is the only institute in India who has the authority to confirm animal and poultry diseases and is also a World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) certified laboratory.
Hence, the authenticity of the report is beyond doubt.
Dr Sailo also that the precautionary measures taken up by the State Departments and District Administrations by identifying areas from the epicentre of the outbreak as Infected Zone and Surveillance Zone is under the international standard and Govt of India norms.
He appealed that the preventive measures being taken up, even though it may affect the poultry growers and traders temporarily, is for the greater safety of all, and appealed the public to co-operate in the combating steps.
Joint Director N Prakash of ICAR, Lamphelpat also attended the press meet.
He reminded that the ICAR Manipur centre was established on January 9, 1975 under Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the ICAR Poultry Unit was established in 2009.So far, the centre has been working in various disciplines of agriculture, horticulture, animal sciences, agricultural engineering, agro forestry and fishery to cater to the needs of the NEH region.
N Prakash also spoke about the various achievements and activities of the centre.
On the other hand, culling of poultry birds, one of the major combating steps taken up by the state Department for Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, has ended yesterday.
As a next step, mopping of poultry birds has started from today onwards in the Infected Zone of the outbreak.
As usual, for the Surveillance Zone areas, prohibition on movement, transportation and banning of economic activities of poultry birds and eggs is still on.