Avian influenza: State veterinarians on alert

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Following the outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) in Jharkhand, the State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department is on alert.

The Central Government confirmed the occurrence of avian influenza in Jharkhand recently, leading the State Government (Jharkhand) to cull birds.

Keeping an eye on the situation in Jharkhand, the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister chaired a high-level meeting at Dispur on Wednesday evening. Top officials of the department and the directorate were present.

Bora asked the department and the directorate to remain alert for the occurrence of the virus anywhere in the state. He asked the department to keep watch on any unnatural deaths of birds anywhere in the state.

Speaking to The Sentinel today, the minister said, “We have many poultry firms that also export to other states in the region, besides selling in the state market. If the virus occurs in the state, it will affect the poultry farmers badly. The spread of the virus compels the department to cull birds. Taking that in view, we have alerted the department and the directorate to be watchful.”

When asked about the measures taken against the poultry imports from West Bengal, he said, “We are waiting and watching. We will act at the appropriate time.”

When The Sentinel contacted the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, an official said that there had been no occurrence of the virus in the state so far. “However, we are on alert following the occurrence of the virus in Jharkhand,” he said.

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