The Gujarat government has been warned against suspected carriers of the dreaded bird flu virus. The Indian Government has issued a warning to raise awareness in the State. More than 60 people have died due to the H5N1 strain of bird flu in the Southeast Asia since 2003. "The central government has alerted the state animal husbandry department to watch out for birds specially from Southeast Asia and China," said D.S. Narve, the conservator of forests.
The health authorities have been asked to watch out for three main species of migratory birds, namely the Bar-headed Geese, the Large Cormorant and the Large Black-headed Gull. These birds are believed to be the main carriers of the disease. An action plan has also been sent from the State Government in the regard.The three identified species migrate from Central Asia to Gujarat during winters. Gujarat is a preferred breeding ground for migratory birds mainly from the central Asia with 20 wetlands and big bird sanctuaries.
Source: Indo-Asian News Service
