CHENNAI: The National Bio-diversity Authority has recommended that farmers implement strict bio-security measures to prevent bird flu among birds on their farms.

An interactive workshop on the disease, organised by the Authority recently, suggested regularisation of poultry farming and hatchery by proper licensing.

Regular monitoring

It called for regular monitoring of the disease throughout the country during all seasons and stringent animal quarantine measures with adequate housing and laboratory support in all ports. It wanted the people to report the death of birds (both migratory and resident) in sanctuaries and other natural habitats to the nearest veterinary centres.

The workshop recommended that a laboratory be set up for diagnosis of bird flu and other exotic diseases in the southern regional zone, covering Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Pondicherry.

The Government should explore the utilisation of indigenous medicinal plants for prevention, control and treating these diseases.

There should be more investigation of variability of virus strains, which caused the disease.

The HS 5, HB 7 and HS 9 reported in poultry did not generally spread to human beings, and there was no evidence of bird flu spreading from human to human.

The workshop felt that there should be proper education of the public and poultry farmers. It advised the people to cook eggs and chicken meat well before consumption.

The workshop was attended by poultry scientists from the Kerala Agricultural University, the Project Directorate of Poultry Science, Hyderabad, and the Tamil Nadu Animal and Veterinary Sciences University, Chennai.

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