Bird flu scare prompts Yogi to ordermeasures to check H5 virus outbreak | Lucknow News

Lucknow: Taking cognisance of the potential threat of bird flu, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday directed concerned departments to coordinate and take measures to prevent the prevalence of the H5 virus in the state. He said that efforts should be stepped up in all zoos, sanctuaries, national parks, etc.On Monday, the bird flu virus was diagnosed in the poultry birds in Rampur after an estimated 15,000 chickens died.The chief minister also instructed the health department to conduct an in-depth study of the potential impacts of H5 avian influenza on human health and present a report to prevent any chain of infection from reaching human society. Stating that the protection of protected animals and birds is the top priority of the state govt, and any negligence will not be tolerated, the chief minister said that guidelines issued by the central and state govts should be implemented strictly in all zoos, bird sanctuaries, national parks, wetland areas, and cow shelters in the state. He further added that zoo premises should be regularly sanitised and, if necessary, blow torching should be carried out. The chief minister has made it mandatory for health checks to be carried out for all wildlife and birds, and food should be provided only after thorough examination. To ensure protection for handlers as well, he added that duties of employees appointed in enclosures should be determined based on the risk level. “All employees should be given detailed information about the symptoms of avian influenza, modes of infection, and preventive measures. Additionally, they should be provided with all necessary safety equipment, including PPE kits, so they can perform their duties safely,” he said. Focusing on the poultry sector, the chief minister directed that all poultry farms in the state should be strictly monitored while continuous control should be maintained over the movement of poultry products. The state govt will be in regular touch with national institutions, including the Central Zoo Authority, National Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Department of Fisheries and Dairy, and Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly. “Timely, coordinated, and strict action will pave the way for effective control of this potential infection. All relevant departments must work with mutual cooperation and rapid information exchange to ensure the safety of both the citizens and wildlife of the state,” he said.