Tumakuru, May 2 (IANS). An outbreak of bird flu has come to light among peacocks in Tumkuru district of Karnataka. NIHSAD, Bhopal, an organization of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, has confirmed H5N1 avian influenza in the samples of peacocks on April 29.
These dead peacocks were found around Kolihalli, Bairasandra, Hullenahalli and Timmegoudanapalya villages. All these villages come under the area of Siddaganga Math Primary Health Centre. After confirmation, the district administration took immediate action. A meeting was convened under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner to review the situation and preventive measures were initiated.
The administration has declared the radius of 0 to 3 kilometers as infected area and the radius of 3 to 10 kilometers as surveillance zone. Patients with fever, influenza-like illness and severe respiratory problems will be monitored in these areas for the next 10 days. A total of 20,432 population of 38 villages will come under this monitoring.
The Health Department has appealed to the common people to remain alert. Do not come into contact with sick or dead birds. Wash hands frequently with soap. Cook chicken meat and eggs thoroughly before eating them. Keep distance from people with respiratory diseases. If any symptoms appear, contact the doctor immediately.
The district administration and health department are keeping an eye on the entire matter. He said that the situation is under control and necessary steps are being taken. People have been requested not to pay attention to rumors and rely only on government information.
Bird flu is a disease spread mainly by birds, which can sometimes reach humans as well. Therefore, it is very important to take precautions on time. The administration says that they are continuously monitoring the situation and more steps will be taken if needed.
–IANS
SHK/PM
