Nagpur, 25 Mar

(HS): The Central Poultry Hatchery at Nagpur’s Seminary Hills has been declared

bird flu infected zone. The 1 km radius zone around the hatchery was declared

aviation influenza (H5N1) infected zone following confirmation of laboratory

report. In addition area under 9 km radius has been declared as a surveillance

zone.

The authorities

have ordered immediate culling of poultry birds in the infected zone and

effective disposal of eggs and poultry feed. The infected area will be

sanitized for 21 days, during which ban on sale, transport and purchase or

exhibition of poultry birds has been imposed.

In the surveillance

zone poultry shops and bird markets have been directed to remain closed as a

precautionary measure. The authorities concerned including the municipal

corporation, veterinary doctors and clinics, animal husbandry department have

been directed to follow the prescribed guidelines and monitor the situation to prevent

spread of the virus.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar