Odisha govt gears up to face bird flu situation

Bhubaneswar: After bird flu virus reported from Khurda’s Keranga village for the first time this season, the Odisha government on Monday issued an alert and prepared for the culling of the poultry in the infected area.

The health department has taken up steps to control the spread of the virus any further.

It has ordered to carry out a survey of villages within 10 km radius of the affected village and any case of fever, cold and cough are being watched carefully.

Health department officials said there are separate beds arranged for treatment of flu patients in SCB Medical, Capital Hospital, and the Khurda district hospital.

“Adequate steps are being taken to ensure the virus doesn’t spread to humans. The Centre has also been requested to provide more supply of medicines,” said an official.

Following the death of chickens in the village of Khurdha, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department (FARD) had sent samples to National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) at Bhopal. The samples tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza (AI) virus, Commissioner Cum Secretary Bishnupada Sethi said.

Animal resources department has also been provided with medicines for poultry birds. Culling orders have also been given for the poultry in the affected village.

While a control room has been opened at the Directorate of Animal Husbandry to monitor the situation and to disseminate information, seven Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been formed for surveillance and alert in the one to 10 km radius.