A total of 4,49,271 birds have been culled so far due to bird flu in the country during the recent bird flu outbreak, but no information regarding the quantum of losses to the poultry farm industry has been received from States/UTs. However, as per information received from the poultry industry, there has been a substantial loss in terms of death/depopulation of poultry birds as well as reduction in consumption of poultry and poultry products due to fear of spread of bird flu thereby leading to less price realization for poultry eggs and meat.

Surveillance of Avian Influenza (bird flu) is carried out throughout the country. Further, the Department has deployed Central team to the states for monitoring and conducting epidemiological investigation of bird flu.   

The Central Expert team that visited Kerala has recommended the following preventive measures:-

1. Avoid the present infected areas for duck rearing. ii.
2. Examining faecal samples from migratory birds in the affected areas in collaboration with forest department for presence of the bird flu virus. iii.
3.  Traders who collect eggs and birds from poultry farmsshould follow biosecurity measures strictly. iv. Engaging in mass awareness campaigns in collaboration with Panchayat/Municipality.

 

This Information was given by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN in Rajya Sabha Today.

APS/MG/JK                                                         *******

 

(Release ID: 1697444) Visitor Counter : 413