Mizoram Prepares To Combat Bird Flu

Aizawl: Mizoram the border state of the country has strictly prohibited the import of chicken and other birds from its neighboring country Myanmar to combat the ongoing was against Bird flu in India.

Mizoram has a long (404-kms) international border with Myanmar and there is frequently trade between the locals across the border. Mr. C Sangnghina, The Director of State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department told here that 148 blood samples of chicken collected from the Myanmar border areas were sent to the diagnostic centre in Bhopal, but they were all found to be negative. Meanwhile the ‘Animal Health Division of ICAR’ in Shillong also collected 14 blood samples of birds from the Myanmar border areas and was found to be negative.

Mizoram is a strategically located state and is close to Chinese and Myanmar border. Keeping the area unaffected by the bird flu that originates from China is likely to be difficult unless the authorities are constantly monitoring the situation.

The Mizoram Government has formulated a state-level Disease Emergency Committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary and district level committees headed by respective Deputy Commissioners to constantly monitor the threat and situation.

And the State Environment and Forest department has been made in charge of keeping a watch on the migratory birds.

"We have to take utmost care that no infected chickens are imported from neighboring countries and state," Mr. C Sangnghina said adding, that the department had added responsibility to ensure that no one raises false alarm.