India Update

Even though the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory in Bhopal reported negative test results for the last batch of samples tested for high path avian influenza. Virus mortality of 79 birds was reported from three districts of West Bengal on February 6, 2008.

A total of 86 rapid response teams were engaged as on February 6, 2007, which completed culling of 11,820 birds taking the cumulative culling to 3.59 million birds in West Bengal. A total of 1.48 million and 79,945 kg of eggs and feed were destroyed till February 6, 2007. AI control measures have also been initiated in the neighboring states, with 34,423 birds already culled in Assam on February 5, 2007.

The culling has also commenced in Bihar, while the government of Jharkhand is engaged in the process of identifying the priority areas for culling. Orissa’s plan of action is not final. The West Bengal state government has banned the sale and movement of poultry throughout the state for an indefinite period. The decision was taken days after the state’s announcement ‘Avian flu situation among the poultry is now controlled’.

According to state government officials, the move was initiated to avoid any risk of further outbreaks of AI. Sources apprehend that the decision was enforced after the government realized that it was still unable to contain the spread of virus.

The government has reported that relief will be provided to all affected people, including the businessman, self help groups and others. Financial assistance of $1.25 million has been received by the central government and the state government has demanded $18.7 million. The government has also asked police, village administrations and municipalities to conduct raids at different places, apart from keeping a strict vigil to enforce the ban.

Source: FAS

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Further Reading

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