No evidence of bird flu transmission to humans: Centre

Amid the outbreak of bird flu the Central government on Wednesday assured that no infection has yet been reported in humans and that there is no direct evidence that the avian influenza virus transmits to humans via consumption of contaminated poultry productsAvian Influenza AI viruses have been circulating worldwide for centuries with four known major outbreaks recorded in the last century India notified the first outbreak of avian influenza in 2006Infection in humans is not yet reported in India though the disease is zoonotic There is no direct evidence that AI viruses can be transmitted to humans via the consumption of contaminated poultry products the Union Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying said in a statementIn India the disease spreads mainly by migratory birds coming into India during winter months ie from September October to February March The secondary spread by human handling through fomites cannot be ruled outImplementing the management practices that incorporate bio security principles personal hygiene and cleaning and disinfection protocols as well as cooking and processing standards are effective means of controlling the spread of the avian influenza virusAfter confirmation of positive samples from ICARNIHSAD avian influenza virus has been reported from Rajasthan crow Madhya Pradesh crow Himachal Pradesh migratory birds and Kerala poultry duck at 12 epicentersThe Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has set up a control room in New Delhi to keep watch on the situation and to take stock on a daily basis of preventive and control measures undertaken by state authoritiesAccordingly an advisory has also been issued each to Rajasthan and MP on January 1 so as to avoid further spread of the infection As per the information received from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan control measures are being taken as per the guidelines of the National Action Plan of Avian InfluenzaAnother advisory has been issued on January 5 2021 to Himachal Pradesh where the State has been advised to take measures so as to avoid further spread of disease to poultryAs per the report received Kerala has already initiated control and containment operations from January 5 at epicenters and culling process is in operationThe measures suggested to the affected states to contain the disease and prevent further spread as per the Action Plan on Avian Influenza include strengthening the biosecurity of poultry farms disinfection of affected areas proper disposal of dead birds or carcasses timely collection and submission of samples for confirmation and further surveillance intensification of surveillance plan as well as the general guidelines for prevention of disease spread from affected birds to poultry and humanCoordination with the forest department for reporting any unusual mortality of birds was also suggested to the states The other states were also requested to keep a vigil on any unusual mortality amongst birds and to report immediately to take necessary measuresThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever