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Avian flu in Kerala a serious matter for DK - Minister Khader reviews


Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 28, 2014:  Primary Health Centres on the Karnataka / Kerala border have been instructed to deal with any case of persons suspected with Avian flu.  Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader said that directions have been issued to take precautionary steps to prevent the spread of Avian flu in the State. 


ut khaderThe directions come in the wake of an outbreak of Avian flu in Allappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala.

Talking to reporters here on November 26, Wednesday after reviewing Dakshina Kannada’s preparedness, Minister  Khader said so far there have not been any case of Avian flu reported in the State.  He added that people should not ignore any fever and other symptoms of flu. They should visit the nearest primary health centre and get treatment. The doctors at the centres have been directed to take throat swab samples of suspected persons and send the same for confirmation to the nearest virology lab.

At an hour-long meeting in Mangaluru, Minister Khader directed local officials from the Animal Husbandry Department to intensify their checks on birds transported from Kerala by road and rail.  Those suspected to have the flu should be seized and culled and buried deep. Officials have also been told to monitor with their counterparts in Kerala.

U T  Khader instructed officials to insure poultry farm owners provide gloves and masks for their workers. Pamphlets about precautions need to be circulated among people and those found positive for Avian flu should be treated at the Isolation ward in the District Wenlock Hospital, he added.

Poultry banned in trains : The Railways has imposed a ban on the booking, loading and the carrying of poultry and poultry products in trains and railway stations following the outbreak of Avian flu in some districts of Kerala.  A release from Southern Railway here said that the ban would be effective immediately and would extend until further notice and urged strict following by the public to avoid an epidemic.