Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Jan 23: With the Avian flu reported from four different districts of Kashmir in the migratory birds and crows, the officials today impressed on the need of avoiding the contact of the migratory birds with the domestic ones.
As per officials, the Avian flu has been reported at four places and at all the four locations, the disease has been found in wild crows and the migratory birds who reach Kashmir from different parts of the world.
However, the officials said that no cases have been reported in the domestic birds so far-especially the poultry which the humans consume and increase the chances of transmission of the disease.
“It is so far reported in the wild and migratory birds, and there is a need for understanding the fact that it is a zoonotic disease which is potent of transmitting into the domestic birds as well as the humans,” Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Chowdhary told reporters here.
He said that there is a need for avoiding the mixing of these birds with the domestic ones. “We have a culture of birds feeding as well and there, we need to remain cautious so that the transmission of the diseases is avoided,” he said.
Notably, the bird flu cases were confirmed from Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Budgam districts days after the ban on import of poultry was lifted by the J&K Government.
However, the officials said that the poultry supply that reaches J&K is being thoroughly screened as per the biosecurity measures that have been notified by the Government.
Officials of the Animal Husbandry, Kashmir told Excelsior that there are thorough arrangements made for the screening of the poultry being exported to J&K and is being carried out as per the SOPs.
They, however, underlined that the poultry could be an effective carrier of the disease to the humans and there is a need for exercising maximum caution.
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