Keep eye on people exposed to sick birds, Centre advises states

Amid bird flu scare in Delhi and other parts of the country, the Health Ministry has advised states to ask persons exposed to sick birds to use protective gears and keep them under surveillance while asserting that the risk of transmission into humans is "low".

The Union Health Ministry said samples tested from the wild birds, which died at National Zoological Park and Deer Park both in Delhi, Zoological Parks in Gwalior and Kerela recently, have been found "positive for Avian Influenza AH5N8".

A joint coordination committee in the Animal Husbandary Department with representation from the Ministry is also monitoring the situation, it said.

 

"On the public health risk of Avian Influenza A H5N8, World Health Organisation has informed that based on current knowledge, the risk of zoonotic transmission is considered low for H5N8.

"As a matter of abundant caution, the Health Ministry has advised the state health departments to use personal protective equipment by those handling dead or sick birds, keep persons exposed to the dead or sick birds under surveillance and provide them chemoprophylaxis (Oseltamivir 75 mg once daily for 10 days)," the Ministry said in a statement.

Bird flu scare continues to grip the national capital as one more bird died in National Zoological Park here on Thursay and three more bird deaths including one at zoo and two at Shakti Sthal were yesterday reported, taking the toll to 70.

"A number of wild birds died in National Zoological Park and Deer Park, both situated in Delhi and Zoological Park, Gwalior in the preceding two weeks. Domesticated bird deaths (ducks) were reported this week from Kerala's Alappuzha District.

"In all these instances, samples tested at the National Institute of high-security Animal Diseases, Bhopal were found positive for Avian Influenza A H5N8," the Ministry said.

The Centre had yesterday set up a high-level committee to monitor the situation and help state governments take steps to contain the disease.

A control room (with telephone numbers 011-23384190 and 09448324121) has been set up in the Department of Animal Husbandry, Union Agriculture Ministry to provide advice and help round the clock.

The Environment Ministry has also constituted a monitoring committee for overseeing outbreak of avian influenza for its control and containment.