Bird Flu: Assam Govt bans import of broiler chicken

Jan. 9: Due to the outbreak of bird flu in some parts of the country, the Assam government has imposed a temporary ban on import of poultry from the western states. In an order issued by the Assam government on 8 January, the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department stated, “In view of the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in some of the states of the country which is a highly contagious avian disease …the governor of Assam is pleased to impose ban on the entry of poultry as a precautionary measure through western border of the States in the interest of preventing escalation of the disease to Assam and other North Eastern states.”

The Veterinary department has also discussed the issue with Forest department officials to enhance vigil in the State. Advisories have been issued to the authorities concerned for active and targeted surveillance against the disease. Assam imports around 20 lakh chicks (one-day-old) from other states every week.

Bird flu or Avian influenza outbreak has spread to five states in the country, which have reported confirmed cases of the disease. These states are — Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Haryana. Few other states, including Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, also witnessed unusual death of birds including chickens. However, no cases of bird flu transmission in humans have been reported yet.

“It is safe to eat properly prepared and cooked poultry and game birds,” a statement on the WHO website reads. The virus is said to be heat sensitive; hence cooking your food in at least 70 degree Celsius (normal cooking temperature) can kill the virus in your food. The organisation further recommends preparing chicken, egg etc following complete hygiene practice.

Animal husbandry, fisheries and dairy minister Giriraj Singh recently stated that there’s nothing to worry about the situation. One needs to cook meat and egg completely before eating to avoid any complication. The Centre has asked local authorities to boost surveillance around water bodies, live bird markets, zoos and poultry farms.

According to the World Health Organisation, Bird Flu is a type of influenza virus (H5N1 virus) that causes severe respiratory disease in birds. It transmits in humans when the person gets in close contact with the dead or live bird, affected with the H5N1 virus.