The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Mock exercise in burying birds afflicted with flu

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 26, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Mock exercise in burying birds afflicted with flu

Staff Reporter

Ten rapid response teams formed in Chennai Ten rapid response teams formed in Chennai

CHENNAI: A mock exercise in burying poultry afflicted with avian flu was conducted at the Veterinary Polyclinic campus in Saidapet on Friday.

Director of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services T.N. Palanivelu said the birds should be anaesthetised by giving them Sodium Phenobarbitone in drinking water. They should be placed in an airtight polythene bag and thrown into a pit containing Calcium Hydroxide.

After filling the pits with carcasses, Calcium Hydroxide needed to be spread on it again. After sealing the place, it should be marked and not be opened for at least five years. The operations should be conducted only after wearing protective equipment.

In the city alone, 10 Rapid Response Teams had been formed, which included vaccinators and cullers, Dr. Palanivelu said.

Each team consisted of four veterinary assistant surgeons, four para veterinarians and two animal husbandry attendants. Earlier, Dr. Palanivelu visited the Government Poultry Farm at Kattuppakkam in Kancheepuram district to check preparedness in the event of a bird flu outbreak.

He outlined bio-security measures to be adopted by the farm staff while handling infected poultry.

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