Dimapur, Jan. 7 (EMN): In view of the recent ingress of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the country especially in Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science has issued an advisory for preparedness, control and containment of avian influenza.
A press update stated that the avian influenza is caused by H5N8, an influenza type- A virus. The department has sought coordinated efforts and containment measures among the public and district officers.
Public are requested to report unusual sickness and mortality of poultry birds, ducks, pet birds to the nearest veterinary health centre. Public are also requested not to handle and consume such poultry birds/ ducks which have died suddenly. It, however, stated that it is safe to consume healthy poultry birds/ ducks/ turkeys etc.
Poultry owners are requested not to mix outside (unknown source) live poultry birds/ ducks into his/ her stock to prevent transmission of diseases. Poultry entrepreneurs/ farmers/ businessmen etc importing eggs, day old chicks/ ducklings, live birds/ ducks etc. into the state are also requested to mandatorily produce the state of origin and refrain from importing such stocks from disease outbreak and its neighbouring states.
All chief veterinary officers (CVOs) are directed to issue “Red Alert” notice to all subordinate officers, field officers, staff and village functionaries on the ingress of the disease in the country and impressed upon strong disease reporting system within respective district through education and communication campaign and also familiarise the public about the risk of avian to human population.
All CVOs are also directed to coordinate with Forest and Wildlife department on the status of wild birds. Those CVOs’ having water bodies in the district and being visited by migratory birds are asked to remain extra vigilant.
All CVOs are asked to activate their existing rapid response team (RRT). They are also asked to reconstitute the team if any changes are required due to transfer/ retirement. All RRT are asked to have direct connection at the grassroots for two-way communication.
All CVOs are further asked to contact the control room at the directorate for avian influenza (HPAI) related matters and also Elisa Laboratory, Kohima, for further surveillance and sample collection.
