Keep special watch on avian influenza among birds: CM Gehlot

Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, has instructed officials to be more vigilant in view of the death of crows and other incidents of bird deaths due to avian influenza in various states of the country and different districts of the state. CM Gehlot had called up the urgent review meeting with Animal Husbandry, Health, Forest and other related departments in this regard. In the meeting CM said that special incidents should be monitored in Ghana bird sanctuary, various sanctuaries, Sambhar lake including other wetlands and all such places where birds are found at large. On the death of any bird, its sample should be sent to the lab for examination and the disposal of dead birds should be ensured by scientific method. The Chief Minister said that people have special association with birds here. Due to carelessness and non-adherence to protocol, this virus can also affect humans. He has appealed to the general public that if they found dead birds on their roof or surroundings of their house, instead of handling them, they should call the state level control room's telephone number 0141-2374617 set up by the Department of Animal Husbandry for their safe disposal. CM Gehlot also said that at present there is no report of outbreak of this disease in poultry in Rajasthan. However, the officials of the Animal Husbandry Department should make the poultry operators aware and motivate them to take special caution.