PFA sounds nCoV alert
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 28 2020:
Following the outbreak of novel coronavirus, the People For Animals (PFA) Manipur has urged the State Government to form rapid action forces comprising of agencies like medical, police, forest, animal husbandry etc as precautionary measures to prevent the virus from entering the State and wreaking havoc.An appeal submitted by the managing trustee of PFA Manipur to the Chief Secretary today laid down certain recommendations which can aid in preventing the entry of the virus in the State like sensitizing the public to refrain from handling, hunting and consuming wild animals, informing them to maintain distance between domestic and wild animals, banning import of any kind of raw animal or their products from Myanmar, banning sale of seafood at hotels etc.
It explained that although there have been no cases of coronavirus in Manipur as of now, the State is very vulnerable as human carrier is not the only threat.
It pointed out that animals are also a carrier for the virus and mentioned that migratory birds are a matter of concern.
Most of the migratory birds which winter in Manipur, often arrive from various countries which are now affected by the virus, including China.
Hunting and consuming wild meat can also bridge the gap between the migratory birds and humans, it stated.
It continued that the virus can also spread to domestic birds and animals from the infected wild animals thus creating a route to reach humans.
Import of raw animal products from Moreh/Myanmar like poultry products, seafood, pet birds and raw fishes can also spread the disease.
Pointing out that some hotels in the State also sell sea foods like octopus which are imported from National and International markets, PFA Manipur opined that they are of equal threats as well.
There is no cure for the virus till date which necessitates precautionary measures to be taken up intensely, it cautioned.