Tatsat Chronicle Magazine

Avian Influenza Detected At The Government Poultry Farm In Bokaro

February 23, 2023
Avian Influenza
Picture for representative purpose. Photo: Wiki Commons

Avian influenza (H5N1) was detected by the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Disease, Bhopal from the samples received from Government Poultry Farm at Bokaro, Jharkhand on February 17. The department issued a notification to this effect on January 20. The last occurrence of avian influenza was reported in Godda district of Jharkhand during January 2019.

The state is advised to carry out the control and containment operations as per the Action Plan for Prevention, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza (2021). The department has deputed a two-member central team to assist the State in the control and containment operations. Also, Ministry of Health has deputed their central team for overview the surveillance in human sector. Secretary, AHD, Government of India, had telephonic discussion with Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Government of Jharkhand regarding appropriate preventive measures and assured all support from Government of India.

Animal Husbandry Commissioner had a discussion with the State Animal Husbandry Departments of Jharkhand and West Bengal and advised for effective control measures so that the disease doesn’t spread to other parts. Further, Animal Husbandry Commissioner took a virtual meeting with the concerned officials of the State Animal Husbandry Department of Jharkhand for sensitizing all before initiation of control and containment measures as per the action plan.

Compensation will be paid to the farmers whose poultry birds, eggs and poultry feed are culled or disposed of by the state as per the action plan. The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Government of India provides funds to the states and Union Territories on a 50:50 sharing basis under ASCAD component of its LH & DCP Scheme.

State is advised to maintain sufficient stock of PPE kits and other accessories required for culling operations. The State is requested to coordinate with the departments of Health and Forest and sensitise them about avian influenza. State is also requested to submit daily report to this Department on the control measures taken by them.

The department is in constant interaction with the state government officials and maintaining a constant vigil on the situation, said the press statement.