Mizoram still free of bird flu: Veterinay dept

Aizawl, Aug 07 (UNI) While the dreaded Avian Influenza has stalked the entire neighbourhood, Mizoram was free from the menace so far.

Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Director C Sangnghina here today confirmed that the poultry deaths at Ngopa area, bordering Manipur, were due to consumption of poison while those from the southern side, bordering Bangladesh, were caused due to fowl pox and cholera.

''Although we cannot rule out possibility of a bird flu, we are certain that Mizoram is free from the virus,'' Dr Sangnghina said.

However, he said 42 serum samples of the poultry from Vawmbuk village in Saiha district bordering Myanmar were rushed to High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL) in Bhopal.

Besides, a Rapid Response Team, formed in each district, was directed to remain in Vawmbuk till the results of tests were received, he said.

Dr Sangnghina added the inter-state boundaries were reopened for animal movement following the Centre's directive that restrictions should not be imposed on boundaries with states that were not affected by bird flu.

However, the international boundaries with Myanmar and Bangladesh were under strict vigil, he added.

Despite, the departments assurance, the bird flu scare had already hit poultry markets here witnessing declining sales over the past few days.

''The sale of chicken has considerably gone down since the bird flu alarm was sounded by veterinary officials,'' a poultry farmer said.

UNI