Following the outbreak of Avian Flu (H5 N8) among ducks in Kuttanad and detection of the virus among chicken in Kottayam in Kerala, a red alert has been sounded in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu.
The three entry points on the inter-State border have been sealed and all preventive measures in the district taken.
Checkposts sealed
The Department of Animal Husbandry has sealed check posts at Kumuli, Cumbum Mettu and Bodi Mettu, imposing a total ban on the movement of poultry and allied products, including meat and egg, from Kerala. However, eggs are being certified to be sent to Kerala from Theni.
Certificates are issued only after checking the poultry farm and the quality of meat or egg at the farm.
Vehicles entering the district from Kerala are being scanned and disinfected at the check posts. Bleaching powder and disinfectant liquids are being sprayed on vehicles.
90 days’ surveillance
Nine teams led by veterinary officials have been monitoring the check posts round the clock, Regional Director of Animal Husbandry V. Varadharajan, told The Hindu , after inspecting the Cumbum Mettu check post on Tuesday.
The surveillance at the check posts would continue for the next 90 days, he added.
Meanwhile, 24 teams of veterinary officials (three teams for each panchayat union) have been constituted in the eight panchayat unions to create awareness among people and poultry owners on the virus. The H5 N8 virus is non-pathogenic and will not transmit to human beings.
The three entry points on the inter-State border have been sealed and all preventive measures in the district taken.
Checkposts sealed
The Department of Animal Husbandry has sealed check posts at Kumuli, Cumbum Mettu and Bodi Mettu, imposing a total ban on the movement of poultry and allied products, including meat and egg, from Kerala. However, eggs are being certified to be sent to Kerala from Theni.
Certificates are issued only after checking the poultry farm and the quality of meat or egg at the farm.
Vehicles entering the district from Kerala are being scanned and disinfected at the check posts. Bleaching powder and disinfectant liquids are being sprayed on vehicles.
90 days’ surveillance
Nine teams led by veterinary officials have been monitoring the check posts round the clock, Regional Director of Animal Husbandry V. Varadharajan, told The Hindu , after inspecting the Cumbum Mettu check post on Tuesday.
The surveillance at the check posts would continue for the next 90 days, he added.
Meanwhile, 24 teams of veterinary officials (three teams for each panchayat union) have been constituted in the eight panchayat unions to create awareness among people and poultry owners on the virus. The H5 N8 virus is non-pathogenic and will not transmit to human beings.