Bhubaneswar: Tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj
became the second district in Odisha after Khurda where cases
of avian influenza were detected prompting authorities
to ban sale and transport of poultry and eggs from the area.
"Bird flu has been confirmed at Bahanada village of
Betanati area in Mayurbhanj district. Steps were initiated
immediately to prevent its spread," said Alok Das, a senior
official in fisheries and animal resource department.
One of the 41 bird samples sent from the area to the
High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal has tested
positive for H5N1 avian influenza, he said.
A team of experts and officials was sent to the area
where sale and transportation of poultry, eggs and other
products as part of efforts to prevent spread of bird flu,
after the disease was detected for the first time in Keranga
area of Khurda district recently, Das said.
An exercise has been launched in coordination with
Mayurbhanj district administration for demarcation of villages
existing within three km radius of Bahanada village, he said
adding assessment of the poultry population was also being
made for appropriate action.
A report on preparedness to deal with the situation
would be sent to the central government for its advice for the
future course of action like culling operation, he said.
Meanwhile, as many as 711 domestic fowl were spotted and
culled today in Keranga area of Khurda district where the
operation, launched on January 12, was almost over yesterday.
If any more birds are noticed tomorrow, they would be
eliminated, he said, adding so far 31,886 poultry birds,
including about 28,000 from a private commercial firm, have
been culled in Keranga area.
The operation took place within a three-km radius area
of Keranga and precautionary steps were taken along the 10-km
radius of the epicentre, Das said.
A total of 50 trained personnel comprising officials of
the department, forest and police undertook the culling
operation, Das said adding people were cautioned not to open
the ditches for a long time since the culled birds were buried
there.
Meanwhile, more cases of crow deaths, including some from
the state capital, was received at the fisheries and animal
resource development department.
Death of about 1300 crows was received from 12 districts,
Das said.
PTI
