Bird Flu: Assam government bans import of Chicken; "We will follow it in practice," DC Keerthi Jalli

Five states in India – Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Haryana have confirmed cases of Bird Flu. Bird flu also called avian influenza, is a viral infection that infects not only birds but also humans and other animals. However, most forms of the virus are restricted to birds. H5N1 is the most common form of bird flu.

Considering the outbreak in western states of the country, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Government of Assam has issued an order banning the import of chicken and all other poultry items. The order forwarded by the governor of Assam comes into effect immediately.

The order states, “In view of the outbreak of highly pathogenic Avian influenza in some of the states of the country which is highly contagious Avian disease having a zoonotic potential of causing a huge loss in terms of mortality and trade of poultry, the governor of Assam is pleased to impose a temporary ban on entry of poultry as a precautionary measure through the Western border of the state in the interest of preventing the escalation of the disease to Assam and other North Eastern states.”

The order also added that an advisory has been sent to all the concerned authorities. The ban will remain into force until further notice, stated the order.

Sharing her reaction on the development, deputy commissioner of Cachar, Keerthi Jalli said, “It’s a preventive step keeping larger public health in mind. We will follow it in practice.”

She added, “Would request the public to cooperate. In these times it’s important to stay vigilant against rumor-mongering.”