‘Surveillance within one km radius, area around 10 kms declared alert zone’
SRINAGAR: The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday said that no case of avian flu has been reported in poultry birds in J&K, however, few cases have been reported in crows and migratory birds.
The administration said there is no need to panic, but there is need to follow precautions in letter and spirit.
Nodal officer for Avain Flu in Kashmir division, Dr Mushtaq Shah while talking exclusively with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that few suspected wild birds have been found positive and they have been sent to Bhopal for final confirmation.
He said that no case of bird flu has been reported among poultry birds but people must follow precautions like wear masks, wash hands frequently.
“As per government directions, our rapid response teams are on the ground and surveillance is being done within one km radius from the spot where cases were reported. Samples from nearby poultry farms are also being taken,” Shah said.
Shah said from the spot where cases have been reported, the radius of 10 kms has been declared ‘alert zone’ besides close vigil is being maintained to check any unusual mortality.
He said that people can use poultry products if it is cooked well, however, there is a need to follow precautions in letter and spirit.
Pertinently, Union Ministry of Animal husbandry has said that bird flu has been confirmed in 12 states (Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab) for Crow/Migratory/ Wild birds.