Uttarakhand: Bird flu! Birds found dead in Terai forests, samples sent to lab, supply from other states banned in Dehradun

After the cases of bird flu were reported in Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh, vigilance has been increased in Uttarakhand as well. The threat of bird flu is looming over the Terai forests of Uttarakhand, due to which now cases of bird deaths are coming to the fore in the forests. After the death of birds in the forest, the forest department is fully alert and is monitoring the death of birds. The death of birds due to bird flu is a matter of concern for wildlife and the ecosystem.

DFO Terai Eastern Forest Division Himanshu Bagri said that the forest of the Terai region is known for its rich biodiversity. Meanwhile, cases of bird flu (avian influenza) have raised concerns. He said that some birds of the heron species were found dead under the Gaula Range in the past few days. After this, the Forest Department took the matter seriously and sent the sample of the dead bird to Bareilly IVRI Lab. Where only after the investigation report will it be known whether these birds died due to bird flu or some other disease.

He said that the effect of this disease in wild birds is not only for the life of the birds, but there is also a danger of deteriorating the ecological balance. To ensure that the ecological balance of the forest is not disturbed, monitoring of populated areas around the forests has been increased. So that no outsider brings chickens or any other birds from the poultry farm and throws them in the forest. If anyone commits such a crime, legal action will be taken against him. He said that the first case came to light in the last days of July, in which some pheasants were found dead in the Gola river. While last week also, the Forest Department has taken sampling action on the information of some herons dying.

What is bird flu: Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is an infectious disease that affects birds. This virus spreads from birds to birds and can sometimes spread to humans as well, which also increases the risk to human life.

Ban on chicken, eggs and meat in Dehradun: The Dehradun district administration has also become alert regarding bird flu. DM held an important meeting to prevent bird flu. In which chicken, eggs and chicken meat coming from other states have been banned till further orders. The police administration will keep a close watch on the entry borders of Dehradun district and check posts will be set up. Also, the District Magistrate has instructed that random samples of chickens should be taken in all 170 poultry farms of Dehradun.

Samples will be taken from poultry farms: Dehradun district administration has become alert after the outbreak of bird flu in Uttar Pradesh. The District Magistrate held a meeting of all the concerned officials regarding the prevention of bird flu and instructed them to remain alert and take action in a coordinated manner. The District Magistrate directed the Animal Husbandry Department to take random samples from all the poultry farms of the district within 3 days as a precaution and send them for testing. Regular monitoring should be done on poultry farms and activate the Rapid Response Team. The Forest Department has been asked to keep an eye on the birds living around ponds, lakes and rivers and immediately inform the Veterinary Department if any bird is found dead or sick.

No ban imposed: Although no case of bird flu has been reported in the poultry farms of the district so far, the District Magistrate said that there is no ban on poultry in the district at present. The District Magistrate has also asked the Sainik Welfare Officer to alert the Army and Paramilitary Force Headquarters located in the district in this regard.

District Magistrate Savin Bansal said that the police department has been instructed to set up check posts on all the borders of the district adjoining UP and ban chicken, chicken meat and eggs coming from outside till further orders. The meat shops operating unauthorisedly in the district should be sealed immediately. All SDMs, veterinary officers and municipal bodies have been instructed to create awareness by holding meetings with poultry farm associations and chicken meat traders in their respective areas.