Tripura govt taking adequate measures to prevent bird flu

Agartala, Feb 5 (UNI) In order to prevent the dreaded avian influenza from entering the state, the Tripura government has imposed a ban on the import of poultry products from West Bengal and Bangladesh and all necessary precautions have been taken.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the Agartala Municipal Council here today to spread awareness among poultry dealers, hotel and restaurant owners and other social organisations, Director of the state Animal Resource Development department Dr Ashis Roy Barman said, ''Bird flu is mainly an air-borne disease, which is mainly spread by migratory birds and to some extent through eggs.

Therefore, a ban has been imposed on the import of poultry from Bangladesh as well as West Bengal.'' He informed that the department had already appointed 63 teams, well-equipped with necessary tools and medicines, to tackle the emergency situation.

He advised the poultry owners to clean the farms regularly and spray disinfectants.

''So far no instance of bird flu has been detected in Tripura.

The indigenous poultry products of the State are completely safe for consumption. However, as a precautionary measure, it should be boiled at a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius,'' Dr Roy Barman said.

He also informed that disinfectants were being sprayed on the wheels of all vehicles coming from outside the State at the entry points.

UNI XC DPM DS1415