Bird Flu alert: Authorities step up vigil at interstate checkposts in HD Kote

NT Correspondent

 Mysuru: Responding to confirmed cases of bird flu in Maharashtra and the detection of three cases in three districts of the state, officials of both the department of health and animal husbandry and veterinary sciences stepped up their vigil at interstate checkposts in HD Kote and Gundlupet taluk in the twin districts of Mysuru and Chamarajanagar on Wednesday. A team of officials led by HD Kote taluk health officer Dr Ravikumar and assistant director of animal husbandry and veterinary sciences Dr Prasanna, visited the Bavali interstate checkpost in HD Kote taluk.

They intensified the screening of vehicles carrying chicken passing through the check-posts. They also sprayed disinfectants on the vehicles carrying poultry items. They have increased the vigil at poultry farms in the border taluk and are allowing vehicles from Kerala to come in only after fumigation. Vehicles carrying vegetables are also being disinfected when they return empty after unloading products in Kerala. Poultry farmers have been instructed to adhere to strict safety guidelines. Any sudden poultry deaths must be immediately reported to the authorities.

Health officials have also advised residents to ensure meat and eggs are thoroughly cooked before consumption. While urging caution, officials emphasized that there is no immediate cause for panic but stressed the importance of preventive measures. Dr Ravikumar said that multiple departments are working together to prevent human transmission of the virus as the state government has issued a high alert. Staff members at the PHCs and clinics have been asked to stay alert if farmers report mass illness or deaths of birds in the border district, caused by the flu also known as Avian influenza Precautions are in place for workers at poultry farms.

The workers should soak their foot in disinfectant liquid while entering the farm and have to use hand gloves, face masks and aprons during working hours. A team comprising a veterinarian, a livestock inspector, attender and two assistants are spraying chlorine dioxide disinfectants and are stationed at checkposts. Officials are also coordinating with the forest department to check if migratory birds are visiting the place.