Central team visits NE following bird flu in Tripura

Guwahati, Apr 8 (UNI) The Bird flu outbreak in Tripura and Bangladesh has led the authorities to take preparatory measures in bordering North Eastern states of Assam and Meghalaya, with a Central team visiting the two states to prevent the spread of the disease.

Official sources informed that the Central team visited Karimganj and Hailakandi districts yesterday, and also held a review meeting in Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya today.

The sources said the visit is following the bird flu outbreak in neighbouring Tripura and Bangladesh, with the team reviewing the preparations to tackle any situation and ensure that avian flu did not spread to new areas.

Karimganj deputy commissioner informed UNI that the district would be banning the import of poultry products from Tripura and Bangladesh till the areas are cleared of avian flu.

He said, ''We are banning it as a preventive measure. There is nothing to worry or panic as of now and we are prepared to tackle any eventuality.'' ''The Central team visit is a preparatory step and can be termed a sensitisation measure,'' the DC added.

Karimganj accounts for the major chunk of organised poultry trade with Tripura.

Culling of birds has started in Mohanpur and Malaya villages in Tripura's Dhalai district today, after tests in the Bhopal-based Animal Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the H5N1 virus in chickens in the state.

About 20,000 chickens and ducks are targeted to be culled in Tripura, with more than 7,000 already culled today.

UNI SG KK RL RN1818