Update of the Avian Influenza in the country
Also culling operations have been done in both the affected districts of Kerala andPost Operational Surveillance Programme guidelines have been issued to the State of Kerala.Central teams deployed to visit the affected states of Kerala, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh for monitoring and for epidemiological investigation have reached Kerala. In a communication to the Chief Secretaries /Administrators of the States/UTs, Secretary DAHD requested State Animal Husbandry departments to ensure effective communication and coordination with Health authorities for close vigilance of the disease status and avoid any chances of jumping of the disease into humans.Besides increasing surveillancearound water bodies, live bird markets, zoos, poultry farms, etc. proper disposal of carcass, and strengthening of biosecurity in poultry farms have to be ensured. States were alsorequested to be prepared for any eventuality of Avian lnfluenza and were requested toensure sufficient stock of PPE kits and accessories required for culling operations. Chief Secretaries / Administrators were asked to make issue appropriate advisories to quell consumer reactions, affected by rumorsand increase awareness regarding safety of poultry or poultry products that are safe for consumption following boiling/ cooking procedures. The DAHD’ssupport to the states was also made sure.