UP on high alert over fast-spreading bird flu

In wake of the surging spread of the avian epidemic in the country, the Uttar Pradesh state government has put the state on a high alert. Districts have been directed to start the culling of infected birds even if a single case is reported. As per reports, this avian influenza has witnessed a rampant spread in several states, namely Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, along with Kerala, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, where multiple chickens, migratory birds and crows have fallen dead. These states, too, have engaged in culling of the infected birds to arrest the rampant infection spread.

Increased vigil to guard the state against the threat of bird flu

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UP CM has issued specific directions to the Animal Husbandry Department to draft a plan of action for controlling the spread of disease in Uttar Pradesh, which so far, has not reported a single such case. The statement of the Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry, certified this, elaborating, "So far, the infection has not been noticed in Uttar Pradesh but we have increased vigil and asked officials to be on high alert so that we do not allow the virus to spread, as and when it is reported in the state. The directorate has already sent a letter to all chief veterinary officers to remain alert to the threat while another letter with further directions will be sent by agriculture production commissioner."

He also added that the state has issued directives to implement controlling measures as soon as even one case of bird flu is reported, which implies culling. Culling can be best described as a man-made process of 'natural selection'. This involves segregation of organisms based on desired and undesired characteristics and then eliminating the 'weaker members' in order to remove a specific trait.

No-panic over the consumption of poultry

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The culling procedure has been pitched as an essential imperative to ensure that the virus doesn't host humans, which would add on to the troubles to the already sensitive and volatile situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Principal Secretary commented.

"We will maintain strict watch over all water bodies where migratory birds are coming. The flu has been noticed in migratory birds and not poultry. However, to ensure that all bases are covered, we are taking special care to monitor poultry farms as well. The department collects samples from birds on a regular basis to check for any kind of disease but now we will intensify the checking", he said, adding that there should be no panic about the consumption of poultry as the government is taking all necessary precautions.