TN steps up surveillance after bird flu cases in Kerala

The Tamil Nadu Public Health Department has ordered increased surveillance and preventive measures in districts bordering Kerala following the detection of avian influenza H1N1 in the neighbouring state reported the IANSThe move is aimed at preventing any possible spread of the disease into Tamil NaduThe alert comes after reports from Alappuzha and Kottayam districts in Kerala where a large number of poultry birds died suddenly in recent daysBlood samples collected from the affected birds by Keralarsquos Animal Husbandry Department were sent to a laboratory in Pune where tests confirmed the presence of H1N1 avian influenza according to the IANSFollowing the confirmation the Kerala government intensified disease control and containment measures in the affected areasCheckposts and vehicle disinfection orderedAs a precaution Tamil Nadu authorities have moved quickly to strengthen monitoring along the interstate borderDistrict administrations have been instructed to set up checkposts at key entry points from Kerala Vehicles entering Tamil Nadu from Kerala will be inspected and disinfected as part of biosecurity measures the news agency reportedSpecial attention will be given to vehicles transporting poultry livestock and agricultural produceBorder districts under special watchAccording to officials special surveillance has been ordered in the districts that share borders with Kerala including Coimbatore Nilgiris Theni Kanyakumari andTenkasi as per the IANSThe health teams have been asked to closely monitor movement in these areasAdvisory issued during Sabarimala pilgrimage seasonThe Public Health Department has also issued advisories in view of the ongoing Sabarimala pilgrimage seasonDevotees returning from Kerala have been advised to remain alert and seek immediate medical care if they experience fever breathing difficulties or flulike symptoms reported the IANSIncreased monitoring in poultrydense districtsIn districts with a large number of poultry farms including Namakkal officials have been directed to intensify surveillance in coordination with the Animal Husbandry DepartmentVeterinary officers have been asked to closely monitor poultry health report unusual bird deaths immediately and ensure strict biosecurity measures at farmsNo cause for panic say officialsHealth authorities have said that there is no cause for panic at present but stressed the importance of early detection and strict preventive measuresThe situation is being monitored continuously and further steps will be taken based on field reports and coordination between departmentsThe state government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and the poultry sector stating that all necessary precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of avian influenza into Tamil Nadu the news agency reportedwith IANS inputs