Culling of poultry continues: Manipur Avian Flu

NI Wire

New Delhi

Sat, 28 Jul 2007: 

July 28: After sounding an alert in the Manipur state for the avian flu the state health officials of the Manipur have been culling poultry in fear of the sead of the virus H5N1 virus, which is believed to be the most dangerous one.

Since the operations began on Wednesday after getting extensive reports of dead birds from across the state the health officials carried out examination of the dead birds and confirmed the existence of H5N1 virus. The sale and purchase of chickens have been stopped after the news of the outbreak of avian flu.

Health officials with the support of local poultry farms have started a massive drive of culling chickens and so far killed thousands of poultry birds as per the reports of Animal Disease Control. The government is also going to compensate the farm owners.

However, the health officials have not reported any case of human infection though it is having a great possibility of virus infection. Therefore, the Regional Institute of Medical Science has already prepared it self with respiratory ventilators to tackle any such emergency situation.

However, no cases have been reported in other northeast states including Tripura, Nagaland or Mizoram. Health administration has also conducting regular health checkups of people in the affected region.

Meanwhile, the health officials have been getting reports of dead birds from Orissa if not confirm but the state government has taken all preventive measures to prevent the infection. Orissa government has instructed to the administration of wildlife sanctuaries especially the Chilka Lake and Bhitarkanika to be vigilant about the death of birds and report health officials immediately if any suspect case arises. This was important as these places are considered a hub of migratory birds on a large scale.

Other states like Rajasthan and Punjab with a greater share in poultry trade have also instructed to Animal Husbandry Departments and farms to take all preventative measures.

The recent arrival of avian-flu will certainly affect the poultry trade of Manipur and also the country’s poultry industry that valued nearly $7billion. Meanwhile with recent outbreak Pakistan and Bangladesh along with Sri Lanka have stopped their import of poultry products from India.