New Delhi: With more states confirming cases of avian flu and many still probing the unexplained deaths of wild birds, crows, and poultry, the central government has intensified its coordination with local authorities to contain the spread of the disease.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has sought increased monitoring of potential hot spots for the diseases spread and asked for constant communication. Besides Uttar Pradesh, six other states where bird flu has been confirmed till now are Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat, NDTV reported here Sunday.
Delhi bans import of live birds and closes city’s biggest poultry market in Ghazipur for 10 days. Samples sent to Jalandhar laboratory for testing. A 24-hour helpline set up for citizens with queries. Rapid response teams have been formed in every Delhi district. Veterinary officers are surveying bird markets, wildlife establishments, and water bodies.
At least 24 crows have been found dead at a district park in south Delhi’s Jasola in the past three days and 10 ducks have died at the famous Sanjay Lake. The lake, along with three recreational parks, has been closed.
Punjab has been declared a “controlled area” in view of the outbreak affecting birds in neighbouring states. A complete ban has also been imposed on the import of live birds including poultry and unprocessed poultry meat into the state till January 15.
