No bird flu case in Karnataka, officials asked to remain on alert: Animal Husbandry Minister Prabhu Chauhan

BENGALURU: There was no case of bird flu (H5N8) in Karnataka and officials have been asked to maintain utmost caution and alertness, state Animal Husbandry Minister Prabhu Chauhan on Friday said.

The state is already on alert after bird flu was reported in two districts of neighbouring Kerala.

The Minister, who held a high-level meeting of senior officials of various departments concerned, instructed that a meeting under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioners be held in all districts to keep a vigil and take all precautionary measures against the bird flu, his office said in a release.

Transportation of poultry and its products from Kerala into the state had been completely prohibited, he said.

People without any fear can consume meat and eggs, he said, adding there was no bar on arrival of poultry products from other states.

Bird flu has been reported in parts of Alappuzha and Kottayam districts in Kerala, prompting officials to cull birds, including ducks and chicken there.

Deputy Commissioners of the districts sharing border with Kerala have been directed to take preventive measures by holding district level diseases control committee meetings.

Chauhan said directions have also been given to have proper coordination between forest, urban and rural development and police departments.

Forest officials have been directed to be vigilant about symptoms of flu or unnatural death of birds in Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts bordering Kerala, he said.

The Minister also said officials have been asked to maintain utmost care at poultry areas, especially bird sanctuaries and water bodies.