’Bird Flu’ checks in Udupi

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, May 14, 2016: It is reported that Deputy Commissioner Dr Vishal R has directed officials to take all precautionary measures to prevent the spreading of bird flu in the district.  A meeting convened to discuss implications of bird flu examined suspicious cases and instructions for handling matters with caution were given.

A cell comprising District Health Department officials and the District Veterinary Department officials has been set up to look into the emergency measures.  The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has taken an initiative for testing the blood of the chickens to ascertain the nature of the infection, if any. The blood testing is done every month. So far, bird flu cases have not been reported in the district. The measures are taken in the primary health centres across the district. Poultry farms are being regularly inspected.

The Udupi DC has directed all poultry farm owners to properly dispose of their waste and also ensure safety to the workers in the poultry farms against the infection. He said the district health officer and the Animal Husbandry department head should immediately inform the district administration over the cases of the bird flu reported in the district.  DC also directed the officials to keep required medicines stocked. Adequate treatment facilities should be made available at all the district and taluk hospitals. The treatment facilities are available at KMC, Manipal.