No bird flu threat in Mizoram

Aizawl, Feb 22 (UNI) Mizoram Veterinary and Forest departments have declared that there is no immediate threat of an avian influenza outbreak in the state.

The announcement was made following negative reports from Bhopal Forensic Science Lab where blood samples of suspected carriers of H5N1 were sent for testing late last year.

However, with confirmation of the deadly avian flu in the country, the Veterinary department was on a high alert to check the spread of the virus in Mizoram.

Talking to UNI here today, Veterinary department Director C.

Sangnghina said, ''We have already imposed a ban on imports of birds and other livestock from Myanmar.'' The ban order came into effect from February 20, although the formal order would be issued today, he added.

As a precautionary measure, about 500 blood samples have been collected from different villages along the Indo-Myanmar border, which would be sent for laboratory tests to Bhopal, the Director said.

UNI SNR SG AK DB1219