Preventive order implemented in and around Vasantpura due to Bird Flu

Many crows died at Verai Mata Chowk, Vasantpura village in Savli taluka a few days ago. The samples were sent to Bhopal laboratory and examination revealed that the crows were infected with bird flu also called avian influenza.

Accordingly, to control this infection, on the instruction of District Magistrate Shalini Agarwal, Additional District Magistrate D. R. Patel has issued a notification imposing various restrictions on the affected area, including visiting there. The order will be in force for 60 days with immediate effect. The notification has directed the concerned departments like Animal Husbandry, Forest, Police, District Panchayat, and Nagarpalika to take various measures for infection control vigilance.

While authorizing police officers for its strict enforcement, it has been asked to take disciplinary action against violators in accordance with the law.

According to the notification, it will be prohibited to take or bring eggs, chickens, bird droppings, poultry farm equipment, and materials, etc. out of the affected area (infected area) within a radius of 1 km of Vasantpura village. Poultry workers and others should wear protective gear like scarves, masks, socks, gumboots, disposable gloves, etc. The concerned departments will have to take the necessary steps to ensure that the birds coming from outside the affected area are not exposed to water in particular. Except in unavoidable circumstances, entry or exit from the area will be prohibited.

Violation of the provisions of this declaration will be subject to legal action. The disease is most often transmitted to infected birds and rarely spread in humans. But those who come in direct contact with such birds are more likely to become infected. Therefore, vigilance is required.