Chennai, February 7 (IANS). The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries of Tamil Nadu has issued advisory regarding biosecurity and precautionary measures to prevent the spread of bird flu. The department has taken this step amid reports of large-scale death of crows and fear of spread of avian influenza.
The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) has also issued a public health communication, urging people to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols. Health officials have advised people to seek immediate medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms such as cough, cold, fever or difficulty breathing, especially those who may have come in contact with the birds.
The advisory particularly advised those working in slaughterhouses, poultry handlers and persons coming in contact with sick or dead birds to take extra precautions. People have been asked to immediately report any unusual deaths or cases of illness of birds to the Animal Husbandry Department.
Animal husbandry officials have directed field staff and veterinary teams to intensify surveillance in the districts to detect sudden illness or death in crows, other wild birds and domestic poultry. Veterinary personnel have also been instructed not to conduct post-mortem of birds in open areas. Instead, bodies must be sent to designated regional diagnostic laboratories for testing.
Officials said the dead birds should either be burnt or buried deep. The administration has issued a strict warning to the public not to touch the dead bodies of birds with bare hands. If handling is unavoidable, gloves should be used and hands should be washed thoroughly afterward.
MG Ganesan, deputy director of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, confirmed that wildlife divisions have been put on high alert to keep a close watch on the bird population in the forest areas. Poultry farms across the state have been advised to restrict entry of visitors and strengthen biosecurity at the farm level.
The department has also called for a comprehensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign to spread awareness about the symptoms and risks of avian influenza. Special surveillance has been initiated in live bird markets and wet markets, while movement of poultry and related products in border areas is being regulated.
District administrations have been directed to review the level of preparedness and ensure that adequate equipment and response mechanisms are in place to deal with any possible outbreak.
–IANS
DCH/