In view of the bird flu threat, the Orissa government is considering the ban on import of eggs as a protective measure against the deadly infection. Orissa is currently dependent upon Andhra Pradesh and Chattisgarh to meet the demand for eggs.
A meeting between the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary services and hatchery owners was held recently to alleviate any fears among the public. So far no reports of bird flu infection has been reported from the State. Karnataka and West Bengal have already restricted the movement of any poultry across the border.The Orissa Government is keeping a close watch over the bird-flu situation in India and would impose a ban on the egg import, if it were required. It has been decided to send nearly 1.70 lakh doses of the bird flu vaccine to districts where farming is a major activity (Ganjam, Bargarh, Balangir, Khurda and Cuttack).
Local bird flu vaccine production by Orissa Biological Products Institute (OBPI) has ensured sufficient supply in the state. Massive vaccination of birds in organized sector farms would also be taken up, said Dr. Das, Kalinga Hatcheries. He further reflected on the need for stringent sanitation measures in unorganized farms.
In an attempt to help the small-farm owners, a set of vaccination and sanitation guidelines would be released by the Animal Resources Development Department. In view of the above mentioned anti-bird flu measures, Orissa is unlikely to face a bird flu crisis.
