Bird flu: Govt confirms cases in six states, steps up measures to control the spread

The centre has stepped up measures to control the spread of avian influenza that has resulted into unusual deaths of thousands of birds in the country. The government has so far has confirmed the spread of this disease in six states - Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat.

“We have deployed central teams to visit the affected states of Kerala, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh for monitoring and for epidemiological investigation. Culling operations have been completed in Kerala and disinfection process is underway,” said a senior official of animal husbandry and dairying department.

He said that states that are still unaffected bu the disease have been advised to keep a vigil on any unusual mortality amongst birds and to report immediately for immediate action.


The official said that states have also been asked to create awareness among poultry farmer and consumers of eggs and chicken about the precautions.

“Poultry products are safe to consume after proper cleaning and cooking at high temperature. Eggs should be boiled completely to ensure there is no spread of infection,” the official said.

A couple of days back, Sanjeev Balyan, union minister of state for animal husbandry and dairying had told ET that there had not been any incidence of spread of this disease in humans since the disease was first notified in 2006 in the country.

“There is no treatment for this disease. Precaution and prevention is the only way to fight with this disease. Those who consume eggs and other poultry products should not panic. They can consume it safely if it is well cooked and hygienically prepared,” the minister had said.