HC directs MP Govt to provide report on chickens

Jabalpur, MP, Mar 21 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to present reports of tests on blood samples of chickens on a petition seeking ban on sale of poultry products in view of bird flu threat in the state.

A division bench comprising High Court Chief Justice Anang Kumar Patnaik and Justice Ajit Singh fixed the next date of hearing on April 3.

The petitioner, Dr Y C Chow, told the court that the disease could spread in MP as it had been detected in the neighbouring states, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Dr Chow's intervenor P G Naajpandey said on February 24 the court had directed the state government to form a four-member committee and present blood sample reports of chickens.

However, reports of more than half samples were yet to be provided.

Veterinary Commissioner Rajesh Rajora presented the report -- regarding collection of 2,175 blood samples and examination of 960 samples -- before the court.

Dr Naajpandey described the committee's report as incomplete and said poultry business had been continuing in Maharashtra and Gujarat illegally and which should be stopped.

The court asked the state government to inform about steps taken to prevent movement of poultry products from the disease-affected states.

The intervenor also sought a provision for the sale of products by registered sellers.

The court directed the state government's counsel to inform during the next hearing that under which rules, registration poultry business setups was required.

UNI XC-PS PV RN1325