No bird flu case, authorities in J

Srinagar, Jan 24 (UNI) Even though there was no case of bird flu reported from any part of the state, the Animal Husbandry department organised awareness camps for farmers.

An official spokesman said the Block Veterinary Centre of Animal Husbandry department organised an awareness camp at Zewan in which local farmers participated.

He said the camp was organised to make people aware about various ailments afflicting cattle and poultry birds including Bird flu.

Veterinary experts including Dr F A Kaloo, Dr N D A Reshi, Dr Sheikh Salim, Dr Ghias-ud-Din, Dr M S Sharma, Dr G M Rather and Dr Ghulam Rasool Mir discussed in detail the causes and prevention of the ailments.

He said on the occasion, free literature and medicines were distributed among the farmer.

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir said there was no need to worry as samples taken for bird flu were found negative.

However, still the authorities have taken all measures to prevent transportation of any such virus into the state, official sources said.

The government has set up a check post at Lakhanpore, the gateway of Jammu and Kashmir, bordering Punjab, where doctors and other staff members of the Animal Husbandry department were posted to check poultry birds before allowing them to enter the state.

Similarly check post has been set up at Qazigund, they said adding that they have made all arrangements to prevent the virus to enter the state.

Asking people not get panicky because all local and imported birds were safe, sources said the samples taken for tests tested negative.

Our sky was also safe as the migratory birds coming from different parts of the world tested negative, they said and added the animal husbandry department was keeping constant check over migratory birds.

However, for precautionary measures the department had decided to impose ban on the movement of poultry during night when proper checking was almost impossible, they said.

To meet any challenge, the state health department has directed all Medical Officers in the state to remain prepared.

The health department had directed all rapid response teams to be ready in case of any contingency, they said.

UNI BAS SP MSJ KP1520