A team of Animal Resource and Husbandry Department (ARD) on Wednesday
visited Swarupnagar in North 24-Parganas to collect blood samples of
dead chickens as reports of widespread deaths of poultry were reported
from the area, triggering fear of an outbreak of bird flu.
In the last 22 days, around 50,000 chickens have reportedly died
in the four blocks of Swarupnagar — Baduria, Kakrasuti, Lakshmikantapur
and Nayabandh.
“I am closely monitoring the situation and the blood samples have
been sent to Belgachia government laboratory for test,” said Chief
Medical Officer (Health) of North 24-Parganas Susanta Kumar Sil.
ARD Minister Noor -E- Alam Chowdhury urged people not to panic
and said the government is prepared to tackle any outbreak of bird flu.
“Yes, birds have died, but there can be a number of reasons behind it.
We are prepared to tackle any such outbreak,” he said.
Senior officials said if the blood samples of the dead birds are
found positive of Avian Influenza Virus (H5N1) then it would be sent to
National Institute of Virology in Pune for confirmation. Positive result
from Pune lab would lead to beginning of culling operation within three
days. Rapid response teams will be formed to carry out surveillance of
bird deaths, said an official.
Lime and bleaching powder are being sprayed in the area as a
preventive measure. Leaflets containing dos and don’ts are being
distributed. “We have started an awareness campaign in the area and
asked villagers to dispose of the carcasses of the birds in a pit,” said
an official. Villagers are being told to wear gloves while feeding
their poultry or wild birds.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/bird-flu-scare-in-north-24parganas-govt-on-alert/994979/
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