Rajnagar: With a large number of migratory winged guests thronging Bhitarkanika National Park and its nearby areas, Kendrapara district administration Thursday collected 180 samples and sent them for testing to ascertain the presence of avian influenza.
According to a source, arrival of the migratory birds has enhanced the risk of bird flu outbreak in the locality. Being proactive, the district administration initiated a drive in this regard. The samples were collected from the park and villages located in its close vicinity.
A team of veterinary officials has collected 40 bird faecal samples from Mathaadia and Ranabhanjadia areas of the national park. Similarly, 14 water samples were collected from water bodies where the birds usually drink.
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Likewise, 42 faecal, rectal swab and throat swab samples of chickens were collected from Trilochanpur, Baradia, Dangamala, Khamarasahi and Ragadapatia villages.
The 180 collected samples went sent to Animal Diseases Research Institute, Phulnakhara. Subsequently, the samples will be sent to Forensic Laboratory in Bhopal for further testing.
“We expect a detailed report maximum within the next seven days, after which it can be ascertained as to whether the migratory avian guests carried bird flu or not,” a veterinary official said.
A team comprising Rajnagar block veterinary officer Kishore Kumar Sahu, additional veterinary officers Devi Prasad Kundu and Prakash Chandra Jena along with some subordinate staff was part of the drive.
PNN
