Punjab sounds alert, to increase testing
As reports of avian influenza, or bird flu, cases came from adjoining states, the Punjab government on Thursday sounded an alert and decided to pull out all stops to keep the state from the possible effect of the outbreak. Chief secretary Vini Mahajan said that though no such case or bird death was reported in any part of the state till date, all requisite logistics and funds were available to fight the situation. Mahajan, who reviewed the situation and preparedness of the state to prevent the spread in the wake of the outbreak in neighbouring states, especially in Himachal Pradesh, has ordered stepping up of sampling, testing, and surveillance of the suspected bird flu cases, according to an official release. Chairing a meeting of the heads of 10 departments involved in the prevention and cure of such cases, the CS asked officers to maintain a close vigil to detect any unusual bird death in state.
As 11 birds were found dead in Pindi Saidan village in Kalanaur block of Gurdaspur district on Thursday, the Punjab government sounded an alert and decided to pull out all stops to keep the state from the possible effect of the outbreak.
“Eight crows, two cranes and one of another bird variety unfamiliar to us were found dead. There are trees along both sides of the road. It appears that these birds were perched on these trees and dropped to the ground after death,” said Pindi Saidan sarpanch Ravel Singh.
Chief secretary Vini Mahajan said all requisite logistics and funds were available to fight the situation. Mahajan, who reviewed the situation and preparedness of the state to prevent the spread in the wake of the outbreak, has ordered stepping up of sampling, testing, and surveillance of the suspected bird flu cases.
Meanwhile, officials from the poultry and the veterinary departments of the state visited the Gurdaspur village to take stock of the bird deaths. “Duties have been assigned to get the birds examined,” said Gurdaspur deputy commissioner Mohammad Ishfaq. Officials added samples of birds had been sent to the laboratory and nothing could be said till reports arrived.
Chairing a meeting of heads of 10 departments involved in the prevention and cure of such cases, the chief secretary asked the officers to remain on high alert and maintain a close vigil to detect any unusual bird death in the state. The state government was fully equipped and prepared to tackle any situation arising out of the avian influenza outbreak, he said.