Bird flu: Centre issues health alert to states

With birds in some parts of the country testing positive for avian influenza, the Centre today issued a health advisory to states asking them to minimise bird-human interface to prevent an outbreak of bird flu.
Birds in Delhi, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) and Kerala have tested positive avian influenza AH5N8, which according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), is considered less risky of being transmitted to humans. But the government is taking no chances.
In an advisory to Chief Secretaries of all states and Union territories, Health Secretary C K Mishra listed out precautions to be taken to prevent an outbreak and offered central assistance if needed.

In view of the WHO report describing AH5N8 as less risky of being transmitted, Animal Husbandry Secretary Devendra Chaudhary said there would be no impact on poultry trade.
"On the public health risk of avian influenza AH5N8, World Health Organisation has informed that 'based on the current knowledge the risk of zoonotic transmission is considered low for H5N8' for human population," Mishra said.
"However, as a matter of abundant caution, you are requested to instruct the concerned department in your state/ UT to minimise bird-human interface, use personal protective equipment by those handling dead or sick birds, keep person exposed to the dead/sick birds under surveillance and provide them chemoprophylaxis (Oseltamivir 75 mg once daily for 10 days)," he said in the advisory.

Briefing media about the situation, the Animal Husbandry Secretary said that 45 samples from Delhi were received by the National Institute of High Security Animal Disease (NIHSAD), Bhopal and out of that 13 have tested positive for AH5N8. Rest 32 samples tested negative but these samples are now being tested for some other virus.

"Advisories have been issued by our department as well as the Health Ministry to all states," he said, asserting that the situation is under control.
Chaudhary said the three states have been asked to follow the 'Action Plan of Animal Husbandry for Preparedness, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza', which was released by the Centre in 2015.

Asked about the opening of the National Zoological Park in Delhi, he said the decision on this matter can be taken after 45 days.
"As per the protocol, there should be random sampling and surveillance for 45 days and only after then a decision can be taken on opening of the place," he added.
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Animal Husbandry Secretary Devendra Chaudhry has also written to Delhi's Chief Secretary that "there is an urgent need for taking all possible measures/precautions to prevent the transmission of the disease in other animal/birds and human beings".
He has also asked other states to take all measures to "prevent the ingress of the disease" and be fully prepared to prevent the occurrence of the disease.

In a letter to all the chief secretaries, Chaudhry said that surveillance needs to be strengthened in all zoological parks, bird sanctuaries and water bodies, including poultry farms and wet markets.
"The samples may be collected by the state department of animal husbandry/forests and sent to regional disease diagnostic labs for testing on daily basis," he noted.
He also asked the states to have sufficient reserves of PPE, N-85 masks and other items required for controlling bird flu.
"It is the responsibility of the states/UTs to maintain a strategic reserve to tackle any eventuality," he said.
All central agencies including DDA have been asked to take action in this regard.

The Centre has also called a meeting on October 27 to discuss the protocols adopted by other states, which were earlier affected by bird flu, in opening of the public places like zoological parks.