Team News Riveting
Bhopal, January 6
Madhya Pradesh and other affected states have initiated the control measures as per the guidelines of National Action Plan to deal with the Avian Influenza (AI) viruses.
After confirmation of positive samples from ICAR-NIHSAD, AI has been reported from the states (at 12 epicentres). It included Rajasthan (Baran, Kota, Jhalawar), Madhya Pradesh (Mandsaur, Indore, Malwa), Himachal Pradesh (Kangra) and Kerala (Kottayam, Allapuzha’s 4 epicentres).
While in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, crow is reported to be the source of the disease, in Kerala poultry birds spread the virus and migratory birds in Himachal Pradesh.
Accordingly, an advisory has been issued each to the States of Rajasthan and MP on January 1, 2021, so as to avoid further spread of the infection. As per the information received from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, control measures are being taken as per the guidelines of National Action Plan of Avian Influenza.
Another advisory has been issued on January 5, 2021 to HP where the State has been advised to take measures so as to avoid further spread of disease to poultry. As per the report received, Kerala has already initiated control and containment operations from 05.01.20121 at epicentres and culling process is in operation.
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India has also 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.
The measures suggested to the affected States to contain the disease and prevent further spread as per the Action Plan on Avian Influenza include strengthening the biosecurity of poultry farms, disinfection of affected areas, proper disposal of dead birds/carcasses, timely collection and submission of samples for confirmation and further surveillance, intensification of surveillance plan as well as the general guidelines for prevention of disease spread from affected birds to poultry and human.
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.
Avian Influenza (AI) viruses have been circulating worldwide for centuries with four known major outbreaks recorded in the last century. India notified the first outbreak of avian influenza in 2006.
Following the postoperative surveillance plan (POSP) after completion of Avian Influenza outbreak control in 2020 and containment operation at different epicenters, the country’s freedom from AI was declared on September 30, 2020.
