No Avian Influenza Outbreak in Odisha, Says Govt

Bhubaneswar: Amid outbreak of bird flu in several states across the country, the Odisha Government today said that there is no Avian Influenza outbreak in the State.

During the current bird migratory season 12,369 samples have been collected while no sample has so far been reported positive for Avian Influenza, the Fisheries and Animal Resources Department said in a statement.

A review meeting involving all Chief District Veterinary Officers, Additional District Veterinary Officers and Sub Divisional Veterinary Officers was organized on January 8, chaired by Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department R Raghu Prasad.

The Standard Operating Procedures and Action Plan for preparedness, control and containment measures for Avian Influenza were briefed and oriented to all field officers, the Department said.

The Chief District Veterinary Officers have been instructed to intensify surveillance by continuous checking and disinfection of poultry farms.

Poultry farm owners, poultry meat and egg shop owners and other poultry farmers are requested to remain vigilant and keep the premises of farms, shops and poultry houses clean and maintain hygiene.

Five Surveillance Teams have been constituted in Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation area by Chief District Veterinary Officer, Khordha for surveillance of the poultry shops and nearby farms.

The State Government has urged the people to remain vigilant and report any unnatural death of birds in flock or chain to the nearest Veterinary Doctor / Chief District Veterinary Officer or to the State Control Room.