Bird Flu Outbreak: Nagaland govt issues advisory, no reports of bird death so far

KOHIMA:

The Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (DoAH&VS) Nagaland, Dr Budhi Lama has issued an advisory for preparedness, control and containment of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (commonly known as bird flu) in the state.

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is caused by H5N8, an Influenza Type-A Virus which started in December.

The outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been reported in states like Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh have reportedly killed thousands of birds.

Though unusual mortality of poultry, crows, migratory birds have been reported in Dimapur, there have been no confirmed cases of avian influenza in the state so far.

According to the advisory, Dr Budhi Lama has requested the public to report unusual sickness and mortality of poultry birds, ducks, pet birds immediately to the nearest Veterinary Health Centre.

People must avoid consuming unhealthy poultry birds/ducks or which have died unexpectedly.

Poultry entrepreneurs/farmers/business people importing eggs, live poultry birds/ducks etc. into the state must refrain from importing stocks from a disease outbreak state.

Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) have also been advised to issue a ‘Red Alert’ notice to all Subordinate Officers, Field Officers, Staff and Village Functionaries on the outbreak of the disease in the country.

According to reports, migratory birds have been the source of the outbreak. Therefore, districts, where migratory birds visit, have been advised to be extra vigilant.

(Edited by Laxmi Chyrmang)