New Delhi: Indian states sharing a border with Bangladesh were particularly at risk of avian influenza or bird flu, Food and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has said.
As long as Bangladesh remains in the grip of avian influenza, India will also be affected, Pawar told the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to his Ministry.
"Most of India's neighbours are frequently affected by avian influenza and states sharing a common border with Bangladesh remain particularly at risk," he informed the committee meeting here Wednesday.
The minister said India has offered assistance to neighbouring countries in testing samples and providing training to their technical manpower in diagnostic techniques.
"A beginning in this regard has been made and three scientists from Bangladesh received training at the high security Animal Disease Laboratory at Bhopal a few months ago," Pawar said.
He added: "Avian influenza is a regional problem and requires a regional approach."
Reiterating the central government's determination to prevent avian influenza, the minister said a comprehensive programme of surveillance against the disease has been undertaken.
"Significant steps have been taken to upgrade the laboratory infrastructure," he said.
ANI
First Published: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 11:46