Lucknow, 13 May (HS): Taking the possible threat of H5N1 avian

influenza (bird flu) seriously, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

convened a high-level meeting on Tuesday and urged authorities to maintain

maximum monitoring at all zoos in the state.

According to an official release, Chief Minister Adityanath

stated that the protection of protected animals and birds in zoos, bird

sanctuaries, national parks, wetland regions, and cow shelters must be

prioritized. He directed authorities to take all required preventative measures

as soon as feasible and rigorously in accordance with instructions published by

both the federal and state governments in order to prevent the virus from

spreading, according to the report.

As part of the

preventative approach, the CM ordered frequent sanitization of the zoo grounds

and the use of blow torches. He also advocated for rigorous health tests for all wild animals

and birds, as well as thorough food inspection to prevent contamination,

the statement stated. The CM also ordered that all zoo employees be adequately

briefed about avian influenza and provided with PPE kits and other necessary

safety equipment.

According to the statement, he also commanded that personnel

roles within enclosures be given based on the amount of danger involved. Adityanath

also ordered thorough surveillance of all poultry farms to ensure compliance

with safety measures, as well as tight control over the transit of chicken

products. He also asked the Health

Department to investigate the possible impact of H5N1 avian influenza on people

in order to reduce the danger of public transmission, according to the

statement.

He suggested that authorities maintain regular contact with

institutions such as the Central Zoo Authority (New Delhi), the National Centre

for Disease Control, the Ministry of Health, the Department of Fisheries and

Dairy, and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar (Bareilly) to

seek advice and take appropriate action. The chief minister also directed

authorities to improve collaboration between District Administration, the Chief

Medical Officer, and the Chief Veterinary Officer to ensure complete compliance

with all directives, the statement stated.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi