There is a wide spread of alert following the possible anticipation that migratory birds may reach Kerala, as lot of migratory birds visit Kerala during winter.
There is a wide spread of alert following the possible anticipation that migratory birds may reach Kerala, as lot of migratory birds visit Kerala during winter. Though early officials where happy about the change in direction by some of the migratory birds from not coming to India this winter like, the migratory bird ‘Bar-headed geese’ usually migrate to India in winter and were affected by the deadly virus strain H5N1 that can kill human beings, but this the wild bird from China has decided to fly some other route and spare India from its destination. But, there are chances that these birds can reach India. This red alert is high in Kerala as this place is a very favored place for migratory bird during winter.
As a precautionary method all the government agencies are asked to check and have vigilance on the migration of local and migratory birds, has migratory birds are carrying the viral strain H5N1. Though no known bird flu positive cases have been detected in the state of Kerala but the Government wanted the department to be very cautious as the chickens which are brought from neighbouring states may be a source of infection and spread the virus but, the samples of chicken brought into the state were also being collected and sent to the Radical Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory at Bangalore for testing.Indian Government is in High alert following high-level meeting held last fortnight between Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss to face the problem of bird flu epidemic. The World Health Organization has also sent necessary directions to India to start getting prepared to face if there are any possible flu attack.
Some of the favorite destination site for the migratory birds in the state of Kerala is Aakulam, Veli, Purathur, Kadalundi, Sasthamkotta, Kandachira, Ashtamudi, Vembanad Lake covering three districts, Kattampalli, Madakkara and Thattekkad bird sanctuary in Ernakulam.
Dr. Udayavarman, additional director of the department of Health has said, "All our offices have been alerted to send samples of dead birds and fresh droppings and the officials are also been asked to trap migratory birds, if possible, and send them for testing."
