The Meghalaya government on Wednesday banned the import of poultry, eggs and unprocessed poultry meat into the state through the western border with Assam in order to control the spread of Bird Flu or Avian Influenza in the state.
The state government has also formed state and district level committees which will be responsible for countering any outbreak of Bird Flu.
Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma also held a meeting with officials of departments concerned to discuss the state’s preparedness in tackling the outbreak.
Also read: Bird flu crisis on the rise: 3 more States confirm outbreak, Centre mulls culling operations
“In order to prevent the spread of #AvianInfluenza or #BirdFlu to #Meghalaya, import of poultry birds, eggs and unprocessed poultry meat into the State through the Western border of Assam is banned with immediate effect till further orders,” tweeted Conrad Sangma on Wednesday.
Taking into account the #BirdFluOutbreak, held meeting to discuss State’s preparedness & action plan. State & District Level Committees have been constituted as measure to counter any outbreak.@AmitShah @girirajsinghbjp pic.twitter.com/2Fka6A6Gvq
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) January 12, 2021
The Union department of animal husbandry and dairying confirmed that Avian Influenza has been reported in 10 Indian states – Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Maharashtra.
The centre is also considering a major culling operation and has asked all states and union territories to maintain adequate stock of PPE kits and accessories required for culling operations.
It has also directed them to increase surveillance around water bodies, bird markets, zoos, poultry farms, etc. and ensure proper disposal of carcasses and strengthen biosecurity in poultry farms.
They are also to conduct awareness campaigns on Bird Flu among the people to contain its spread.