No. 50-195/2006-LDT (AQ)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries

Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001

                        Date:   3rd April, 2006

To

            1.         Principal Secretary (AH)

                        Government of Madhya Pradesh

                        Secretariat,

                        Bhopal

 

2.               Principal Secretary (AH)

Government of Gujarat,

Sachivalaya

Gandhinagar.

 

3                 Secretary (AH)

Government of Maharashtra

Sachivalaya

Mumbai-400 001

 

            4.         Commissioner/Director (AH)

                        Governments of Gujarat, M.P and Maharashtra.

                       

 

Subject: Conduct of operations for control and containment of Avian Influenza – further clarification

 

Sir/Madam,

 

            Two teams of officers of Government of India had visited Navapur/Uchchhal on 10-12th March and 13th to 15th March.  Some issues were raised by the two teams in the report submitted by them to the Government of India.  These issues have been considered by this Department and the response of each of these is detailed below which may be informed to all authorities related to Avian Influenza.

 

S. No.

Issues

Replies

1

Fumigation of farm premises

As per the Action Plan the units are to be fumigated once in a fortnight.  After completion of control operations, sanitization certificate will be issued by the State Government indicating that the operations have been completed. No poultry will be re-stocked in the operational area for three months from the date of sanitization. Therefore fortnightly disinfection of farm premises will be carried out during this period.  It is clarified that fortnightly disinfection of farm premises will be carried by spraying in open areas and by fumigation in closed areas.

2

Process of Fogging

An issue referred for clarification during conduct of operations involving largely backyard poultry in some talukas of Jalgaon district of Maharashtra was whether fogging is to be carried out inhabited areas. This matter has been further considered in consultation with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.   It is clarified that fogging may not be carried out in residential areas.  Spraying with disinfectant will be more useful.  It is further clarified that Farmolin may not be used in inhabited areas as it is considered to be an irritant for humans especially for eyes.  Other alternative such as Triolocid concentrate, Virkon S and Sodium Hypochlorite have been suggested by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and can be used for spraying in residential areas. 

3

Disposal of soil

Consequent upon digging of trenches and filling them up with infected material heaps of soil may remain available in the infected      especially in commercial farms.  A question was raised whether the heaped soil can be carried out to agricultural lands outside the farm infected premises.  It is clarified that the soil should not be carried out of a farm premises but should be levelled out within the same farm premises.

4

Modifications of Personnel Protective Equipments (PPEs)

A de-briefing session was held with the Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) on 20th February at Navapur/Uchchhal. Based on the interaction with the RRTs the PPE has been modified. The tender process has been initiated by the Government of India. The rates and names of firms short-listed on conclusion of tender will be shared with the State Governments. It is also proposed to provide 10 kits per State and 5 kits per UT a sample which will be dispatched shortly.

5

Disposal of unused and sealed medicines

Sealed and unused medicines found on some poultry farms in Uchchhal where control operations were conducted. Such medicines will also have to be destroyed while conducting control operations.

6

Agricultural growth within infected farms premises

Some crops such as sugarcane, vegetables etc., were found growing within the infected farm premises.  It is clarified that all standing crop and agricultural produce on the infected farm premises are required to be destroyed.  However, subsequent produce in the next cropping cycle from the agricultural lands within the farm premises can be allowed for consumption. 

7

Surveillance on other species

The migratory, wild and domestic birds should be a part of the overall surveillance. If unusual mortality is observed samples should be collected and forwarded for testing.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 (Upma Chawdhry)

Joint Secretary (A&LH)

 

Copy to: All Secretaries & Directors of State Animal Husbandry Departments for information.