Avian influenza: Three poultry samples found positive at Bada Tajbagh

 

 

Nagpur has once again come in the grip of H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) as three poultry samples from Bada Tajbagh were found positive on Wednesday. The confirmation of bird flu was issued by ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD), Bhopal. “We have sent some poultry samples to Bhopal-based institute and it confirmed the disease in three samples,” said Dr Vipin Itankar to ‘The Hitavada’.

 

“Following this development, we have declared a one-kilometre radius around Bada Tajbagh as an ‘infected zone’ and in this radius we will perform culling process in which our staff will remove poultry from all shops of certain symptoms,” said District Collector Dr Itankar. Collector also informed that all suspected persons who came in contact with these positive samples will be provided with Tamiflu medicine including all adults, adolescents, children and infants for treating this flu (influenza).

 

The administration is also going to conduct influenza-like illness (ILI) survey in the 2 km radius of Bada Tajbagh to detect the flu by monitoring trends in clinical symptoms, informed the collector. The administration is taking steps to restrict the flu in the radius of one km and there is no need to panic of this influenza, said Dr Itankar. As per the information, a nine-kilometre surrounding area has been designated as a ‘surveillance zone’ to monitor the spread. Authorities have directed the Rapid Response Team to scientifically dispose off all poultry, eggs, and poultry feed within the infected area. Disinfection and sanitisation measures have also been approved to prevent further contamination. The administration is taking stringent measures to contain the outbreak and safeguard public health while closely monitoring the situation for any developments.