AMN /
Centre has constituted a committee to maintain constant vigil on the situation arising out of avian influenza (H5N8) commonly known as Bird Flu. The Committee headed by Joint Commissioner in Department of Animal Husbandry will have representatives from Health and Environment Ministries and Department of Agriculture Research. Besides, monitoring the situation, the Committee will assist the State governments in taking steps to contain the spread of Avian Influenza.
The Centre has also established a control room in Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries. The Control Room can be reached at telephone numbers – 011-23384190 and 09448324121. Joint Commissioner, Dr. Munialappa has been named as the Nodal Officer and will be available for advice and help round the clock.
According to an official release, four Regional Laboratories, National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases and Indian Veterinary Research Institute have been instructed to give all assistance to the States governments and get sample tested in an emergency response manner.
The Department has also issued guidelines to States for maintaining cleanliness in the slaughter house areas and areas where meat is sold. Necessary precautions for human beings coming in the contact with poultry have also been reinforced.
All bird sanctuaries and areas where there are lakes have been advised to keep a close watch on the situation and in case of any suspicious death of birds, the State Government and the Centre may be notified. Daily meetings are being held at the Animal Husbandry Commissioner level in to advise the states in case of emergency.
Meanwhile, one death of bird was reported today from the National Zoological Park, New Delhi due to suspected avian influenza. According to a release issued by the Environment Ministry, there is no report of death of bird form Deer Park, Delhi and Gwalior Zoo.
The Monitoring Committee constituted by the Ministry reviewed the control and containment of the avian influenza situation today. The measures to control the spread of avian influenza in the affected zoos are in place. It said, the zoo is being screened regularly for any dead bird. Bio-security measures are being strictly enforced.
A team of scientists from National Institute of Virology, Pune and Indian Council of Medical Research visited the Delhi zoo collected samples, sensitised and trained zoo staff about bio-security measures against avian influenza. Delhi Zoo, Deer Park and Gwalior Zoo remained closed for the safety of visitors and control of the disease.