Bhubaneswar/Rourkela: The state government Sunday said it has put a ban on poultry meat in one kilometer radius of the Indira Gandhi Park locality in Rourkela after pelicans and ducks in the park were found infected by avian flu influenza.
“We are keeping a close eye on the situation and a ban has been imposed on poultry meat in 1 KM radius of the affected locality,” said fisheries and animal resources development secretary Bishnupad Sethi to this newspaper.
He said there will be surveillance but no culling at this stage. The park has also been shut down for an indefinite period, he added.
Meanwhile, a high alert has been sounded here in Rourkela city after bird flu was reported at Keranga village in Khurda district.
“Following reports about H5N1 avian flu influenza, we are on high alert and are keeping a close watch on the development round the clock,” Sundargarh Collector BS Punia said.
“A team of experts will arrive from Bhubaneswar to take stock of the situation,” he said.
A task force meeting comprising officials from the administration, health department, Rourkela Municipal Corporation and Rourkela Steel Plant was held to take stock of the situation, officials said.
As a precautonary measure, the administration has shut down Indira Gandhi Park, a major tourist destination in the city, for an indefinite period.
The decision was taken in view of the report about the presence of H5N1 virus received from National Institute of High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (NIHSAD) in Bhopal, Punia said.
Sub-divisional medical officer Pushpa Mishra advised people to use masks and report about any death of birds and also anyone feeling uneasy.
In the last one week, dead crows were found in the local Central Industrial Security Force Colony.
Subsequently, three pelicans, two white ibis and one duck were found dead in quick succession after which samples were sent to the Bhopal laboratory.
Meanwhile, a team led by joint director of disease control, BK Parida and a scientist arrived at Rourkela from Bhubaneswar. Four rapid response teams have been formed to keep an eye on the development here. The teams have been formed with experts drawn from different departments.
The state government had December 28 formally launched culling of chicken suspected to be affected by H5N1 virus at Keranga village.
The villagers also came forward to support the culling operation after they were made aware of the impact of bird flu which may also affect human beings, Sethi said. PNN
