Date:26/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/07/26/stories/2007072651012300.htm

Back Govt notifies bird flu outbreak

Our Bureau

New Delhi, July 25 It’s official — bird flu is back. Notifying the outbreak of Avian Influenza in Chingmeirong village in East Imphal District of Manipur, the Government sought to reassure the country that all measures were being taken to contain the outbreak.

“The disease appears to be very localised and limited presently to one unit in a State in the North Eastern part of the country. There is no other report of unusual mortality or sickness in the neighbouring areas,” said an official statement from the Government.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has sent personal protective equipment to Manipur, and also deputed a central team from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Public Health.

However, Avian influenza does not have all poultry companies worried.

“As far as we are concerned, we don’t think we will be affected since the region hit by the flu is far from where we operate.

“In fact, we are confident the Government will control the situation soon and the flu will not spread to the rest of the country,” said Mr B. Soundararajan, Managing Director, Suguna Group.