The Hindu Business Line : Avian flu: Govt puts in place surveillance system

THE Government today said a nationwide surveillance system has been put in place to keep a close eye on domestic poultry population and migratory birds to deal with any untoward situation. A committee has also been formed to study whether the country needs to import vaccines for poultry.

"We are keeping a close watch on the situation. Extensive surveillance is on for both domestic poultry and migratory birds," the Animal Husbandry Secretary, Mr P.M.A. Hakeem, said. The surveillance, which also included laboratory tests, has shown India to be free from bird-flu, he said and added that "there is absolutely no need for any worry on this."

The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries, through State animal husbandry departments, is keeping a close eye on the whole situation, said Mr S.K. Bandopadhya, Animal Husbandry Commissioner. UP-based Central Disease Diagnostic Laboratory along with its four regional centres in Pune, Jalandhar, Bangalore and Kolkata are extending scientific inputs on the issue. "Recently, we have intensified surveillance to include poultry around the bird sanctuaries as well as migratory birds visiting these sanctuaries," Mr Bandopadhya said.

"A technical committee has also been formed to study whether the country needs to import vaccines for poultry. The committee would submit its report in seven days," said Mr Bandopadhya.

Even though domestic poultry industry, which is growing at 7-8 per cent annually, has not yet been affected by the bird flu, the Secretary said: "We have to be cautious in our approach toward whole issue."

"We have advised State Governments to extend compensation to bird flu affected farmers," Mr Hakeem said.

However, the animal husbandry commission has put stress on adopting the "bio-security" measures to combat any possible outbreak.

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