High alert issued in Rourkela, Orissa after bird flu reports

            Rourkela, Jan 1 (PTI) Bird flu was reported here,

prompting the district authorities to sound a high alert.

            "Following reports about H5N1 avian flu influenza,

we are on high alert and are keeping a close watch on

the development round the clock," Sundargarh Collector B

S Punia said.

            "A team of experts will arrive from Bhubaneswar to

takestock of the situation," he said.

            A task force meeting comprising officials from the

administration, health department, Rourkela Municipal

Corporation and Rourkela Steel Plant was held to take stock of

the situation, officials said.

            As a precautonary measure, the administration has shut

down Indira Gandhi Park, a major tourist destination in the

city, for an indefinite period.

            The decision was taken in view of the report about the

presence of H5N1 virus received from National Institute of

High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (NIHSAD) in Bhopal,

Punia.

            Sub-Divisional Medical Officer Pushpa Mishra advised

people to use masks and report about any death of birds and

also anyone feeling uneasy.

            In the last one week, dead crows were found in the

local Central Industrial Security Force colony.

            Subsequently, three pelicans, two white ibis and one

duckwere found dead in quick succession after which samples

were sent to the Bhopal laboratory.

            Meanwhile, a team led by joint director of  disease

control, B K Parida and a scientist arrived at Rourkela

from Bhubaneswar. Four rapid response teams have been formed

to keep an eye on the development here. The teams have been

formed with experts drawn from different departments.

            The Odisha government had on December 28 formally

launched culling of chicken suspected to be affected by H5N1

virus at Keranga village under Khurda district.

            The villagers also came forward to support the culling

operation after they were made aware on the impact of the bird

flu which may also affect human beings, according to Fisheries

and Animal Resources Secretary B P Sethi. PTI COR SKN PR

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