Outbreak of Avian Influenza : Bird culling process on in full swing
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 21 2015 : After the outbreak of avian influenza was confirmed with the ICAR's poultry unit as the epicentre, an expert team sent by the Government of India to take stock of the situation arrived here today.

Meanwhile, it is reported that a consultative meeting of all the North Eastern States would be held at Shillong on April 24 and 25 about Swine Flu, Bird Flu and other contagious diseases under the aegis of the DoNER Ministry.

Three officials of the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health arrived here today and they have already started monitoring different measures taken up by the State Government with regard to the outbreak of avian influenza, said Health Director Dr O Ibomcha.

The team inspected health care measures as well as isolation wards opened at major hospitals of the State.

Informing that the Health Department has constituted 50 rapid response teams, Dr Ibomcha said that rapid response teams directly involved in culling poultry birds have been given Tamiflu drugs.

In addition, Tamiflu drugs have been stocked abundantly.

Health Department is now searching within 3 Kms radius of ICAR if any one is.

infected by avian influenza.

The consultative meet scheduled on April 24 and 25 would be opened by DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra.

It is said that State Government officials as well as Shija Hospital Managing Director Dr Palin would attend the meeting.

Meanwhile N Rajendro, Director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, Manipur said that the visiting team includes two lady doctors to supervise door-to-door health check-ups of poultry farmers and their family members in the radius of three kilometres from ICAR, Lamphelpat, which has been identified as the epicentre for the outbreak of Bird Flu.

The Central Government medical team would go along with the Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) of the State Government, he added.

The Director further said that as part of the steps taken up by the Veterinary Department, 10 RRTs that comprise of four members each have carried out surveys of chicken and other fowls.

He added that culling has already been started at Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai and adjourning areas up to fodder farm, from fishery farm to Langol Tarung village, Thangmeiband Hijam Dewan Leikai and adjoining areas up to Sanakeithel, CRPF, AIR and AG colonies, from Thangmeiband Khomdram Selungba Leikai to Lairenhanjaba Leikai, from Watham Leirak to Sanakeithel, from KV School to Langol hills and from Muji Leirak to Laijingthou area and Sanakeithel.

The Director further said that health of all the members of RRTs were checked and provided Tamiflu tablets before they were deputed for culling works.

1353 fowls, 109 eggs and 1008 kg of poultry feed were culled today, he added.

Regarding sale of poultry feed, the Director said that he has held a meeting with the DC in this regard.

He said that there is a total ban on sale and transportation of fowls, eggs and poultry feeds within the radius of one km of ICAR.

However, there is no ban on the sale of poultry feeds at surveillance areas, he added.

Urging the local clubs and NGOs to co-operate with Government officials in carrying out effective culling of fowls, the Director urged the farm owners and general public not to conceal their chickens and fowls as it may cost many human lives.

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