Centre sets up Control Room in New Delhi to control outbreak of bird flu

Amid the outbreak of Avian Influenza, the Centre has set up a Control Room in New Delhi to keep watch on the situation and to take stock on a daily basis of preventive and control measures undertaken by State authorities.

Avian Influenza, commonly known as Bird Flu, has been reported from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala. There are 12 epicentres of Bird Flu in these states.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has suggested to the affected states to contain the disease and prevent further spread as per the Action Plan on Avian Influenza which includes strengthening the biosecurity of poultry farms, disinfection of affected areas and proper disposal of dead birds.

They have also been asked to do timely collection and submission of samples for confirmation and further surveillance, intensification of surveillance plan as well as the general guidelines for the prevention of disease spread from affected birds to poultry and humans.

Coordination with the forest department for reporting any unusual mortality of birds was also suggested to the states. The other states were also requested to keep a vigil on any unusual mortality amongst birds and to report immediately to take necessary measures.

The Avian Influenza infection in humans has not been reported in India as yet though the disease is zoonotic. There is no direct evidence that viruses can be transmitted to humans via the consumption of contaminated poultry products.