India: bird flu in poultry suspected / confirmed

[Dutchy]

Bird flu scare

Test results likely by Jul 22, more samples sent

Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 18: Results of laboratory tests of the chicken blood samples sent to Bhopal following the deaths of 132 chickens reared at a farm located within Imphal Municipal area may be available by July 22.

Further more than 200 nasal and cloacal samples collected from chickens and ducks reared at farms within 5 km radius of the affected farm were sent to Bhopal and Pune today aboard an Indian Airlines flight.

Talking to The Sangai Express on the sudden death of a large number of chicken, Joint Commissioner of the Union Ministry of Agriculture AB Neigi who is currently stationed at Imphal to supervise the preventive measures being taken up by the State Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department informed that test results of the samples sent to the high security Animal Diseases Laboratory, Bhopal may be available by Sunday.

Neigi who led the Rapid Response Team during the outbreak of avian influenza in Nagpur, stated that it cannot be ascertained as yet whether the large scale of deaths of chickens at a farm in Imphal was pathogenic or non-pathogenic.

Collection of samples from chickens and ducks from within the 5 km radius of the affected farm may be completed today, he said adding that the Health authority is also monitoring the health of the chicken farmers working in the farm.

Following the sudden death of a large number of chickens, an official of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases is also camping at Imphal.

Briefing media persons at his office chamber today afternoon, Director of the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department Th Dorendra informed that more than 200 nasal and cloacal samples have been sent to Bhopal and the National Institute of Virology, Pune under the care of a doctor today.

Stating that consumption of chicken does not pose any health risk, the Director appealed to the people to informed the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department if there is any case of sudden death of chicken and other fowls.

He further said that surveillance has been put within the 15 kms radius of the affected farm by posting officials of the Department.

The chickens which perished last week were bought from the Govt Poultry Farm located at Mantripukhri, said Dorendra while adding that there is no such report for chickens bought from other hatcheries.

To a query, the Director disclosed that two carcases of chickens were also sent to Bhopal along with the samples sent there earlier.

In the meantime, 1000 personal protection kits were brought to Imphal today.

Nevertheless, he asserted that the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department and other Departments have made all preparations to face any eventuality in case avian flu breaks out in the State.

Joint Commissioner AB Neigi who is leaving for Kohima tomorrow said that the Centre is prepared to extend logistic support and other necessary assistance to the State if the samples are tested positive.

He informed that three day regional workshop on avian influenza will be held at Kolkata from July 26 and it will be attended by officials concerned of all the Northeastern States among others.

http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=5..190707.jul07

[Treyfish]

Date: Tue 17 Jul 2007
Source: Kangla Online [abridged, edited]
<http://www.kanglaonline.com/index.php?template=headline&newsid=38633&typeid=1>


The existence of a non-pathogenic strain of the virus causing bird
flu has been confirmed in the state according to knowledgeable
sources. Officials only said that no pathogenic strain of the virus
has been detected yet but were [close-mouthed] about the presence of a
non-pathogenic strain.

However, the arrival of officials of the Union Ministry of Veterinary
and Animal Husbandry following the testing of some samples of blood
of chickens that died in an unknown epidemic recently in and around
Imphal at the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal raised
suspicion of something serious. [For Imphal, capital of the state of
Manipur, northeast India, see map at
<http://www.indtravel.com/graphic20/indpoli1.gif>].

Surveillance of more blood samples of chickens have also intensified
ever since and continued throughout the day today [Tue 17 Jul 2007].

Although the strain found in dead chickens in Imphal recently is not
the pathogenic variety, knowledgeable sources said it only takes time
for the virus to mutate to become pathogenic, hence the need for
extreme precautions.

Surveillance and serum sample collection to test and confirm the
geographical spread of the bird flu virus in the state has been
intensified in Manipur, even as authorities here said that "there is
no confirmed report of an outbreak of Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird
flu) in the state." They, however, were guarded about the detection of
the non-pathogenic strain of the virus. The surveillance acquired
urgency following reports of deaths of chickens and other animals
[presumably other poultry - Mod.JW] in various farms in the state.

In the previous week [also], serum samples collected from various
places were sent to the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory,
Bhopal for detection of avian influenza. The samples were collected
from places in the state where there were reports of deaths of
chickens and other farm animals that could have been caused by avian
virus, the source said.

The 1st sample was sent on 11 Jul 2007, while the 2nd sample was sent
Monday [16 Jul 2007], and the results of both are yet to be received
by the state authorities.

Director Dr Th Dorendra Singh of the state veterinary department, in a
brief with IFP, said the surveillance and sample collection, which has
been concentrated in a 5-km radius around Imphal in the last few days,
will be expanded to 15 km and beyond. He appealed to the people to
report any unusual deaths of chickens, birds and other domestic
animals [poultry].

"If there is a confirmed report of an outbreak of Pathogenic Avian
Influenza (bird flu) in the state, the state government as well as
the Central government will do everything necessary without a
moment's delay to have the epidemic declared by the Union government,
the director said.

Since the reports of the outbreak of bird flu cases in neighboring
Myanmar have been received in March this year [2007], the state
veterinary and forestry departments have taken up special
precautionary measures to prevent any possibility of the disease
spreading into Manipur. A report of an outbreak of Pathogenic Avian
Influenza (bird flu) at a farm located in Mayangone sub-district,
Yangon (West) district, in Rangoon province [Myanmar] was received on
28 Feb 2007.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Mary Marshall

[The above information is rather blurry; information on the results
obtained from the national laboratory relating to the serotype and
pathogenicity of the suspected isolates will be appreciated http://www.promedmail.org/pls/promed..._ID:1000,38408

[Dutchy]

Avian flu scare in Manipur


Imphal, July 18: Widespread panic over bird flu following the “unusual death” of more than 300 chickens at a poultry farm in Thangmeiband last week has prompted the veterinary department in Manipur to step up surveillance in Imphal East and Imphal West districts.

Officials of the department, under the ministry of agriculture, however, said there was no cause for panic.

“There were 144 chickens at the farm in Imphal West. An unknown disease killed 132 of them between July 7 and 10. We have collected blood samples of the chickens and sent those to High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal,” the director of the department, Th. Dorendro, said.

The joint commissioner of the department, A.B. Negi, rushed to Imphal to supervise surveillance. “There is no reason to panic,” he said after assessing the situation.

“Had it been bird flu, none of the birds would have survived. Death of so many chickens is, however, quite unusual. But nothing can be said until we get the blood reports.”

In keeping with the guidelines of the department, the owner of the poultry farm has buried the dead chickens. The 12 chickens were culled and buried. All equipment of the farm had been destroyed.

Officials of the department have fanned out to poultry farms located within a 5km radius of Imphal to collect blood samples of chickens.

“Our teams have collected more than 200 blood samples from various poultry farms and the samples have been sent to Bhopal for laboratory test today. None of the samples collected earlier from Manipur tested positive,” Negi said.

Official sources said consumption of chicken had not been affected by the report of death of chickens.

Manipur has already sounded an alert following spread of bird flu in neighbouring Bangladesh and Myanmar earlier this year. Import of poultry products from neighbouring countries to Manipur has been banned.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/107071...ry_8075461.asp

[HenryN]

Archive Number	20070718.2303
Published Date	18-JUL-2007
Subject	PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (131): India (Manipur), RFI

AVIAN INFLUENZA (131): INDIA (MANIPUR), REQUEST FOR INFORMATION*************************************** ********A ProMED-mail post<http://www.promedmail.org>ProMED-mail is a program of theInternational Society for Infectious Diseases<http://www.isid.org>Date: Tue 17 Jul 2007Source: Kangla Online [abridged, edited]<http://www.kanglaonline.com/index.php?template=headline&newsid=38633&typeid=1>The existence of a non-pathogenic strain of the virus causing birdflu has been confirmed in the state according to knowledgeablesources. Officials only said that no pathogenic strain of the virushas been detected yet but were [close-mouthed] about the presence of anon-pathogenic strain.However, the arrival of officials of the Union Ministry of Veterinaryand Animal Husbandry following the testing of some samples of bloodof chickens that died in an unknown epidemic recently in and aroundImphal at the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal raisedsuspicion of something serious. [For Imphal, capital of the state ofManipur, northeast India, see map at<http://www.indtravel.com/graphic20/indpoli1.gif>].Surveillance of more blood samples of chickens have also intensifiedever since and continued throughout the day today [Tue 17 Jul 2007].Although the strain found in dead chickens in Imphal recently is notthe pathogenic variety, knowledgeable sources said it only takes timefor the virus to mutate to become pathogenic, hence the need forextreme precautions.Surveillance and serum sample collection to test and confirm the geographical spread of the bird flu virus in the state has been intensified in Manipur, even as authorities here said that "there is no confirmed report of an outbreak of Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) in the state." They, however, were guarded about the detection of the non-pathogenic strain of the virus. The surveillance acquired urgency following reports of deaths of chickens and other animals [presumably other poultry - Mod.JW] in various farms in the state.In the previous week [also], serum samples collected from various places were sent to the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal for detection of avian influenza. The samples were collected from places in the state where there were reports of deaths of chickens and other farm animals that could have been caused by avian virus, the source said.The 1st sample was sent on 11 Jul 2007, while the 2nd sample was sent Monday [16 Jul 2007], and the results of both are yet to be received by the state authorities.Director Dr Th Dorendra Singh of the state veterinary department, in a brief with IFP, said the surveillance and sample collection, which has been concentrated in a 5-km radius around Imphal in the last few days, will be expanded to 15 km and beyond. He appealed to the people to report any unusual deaths of chickens, birds and other domestic animals [poultry]."If there is a confirmed report of an outbreak of Pathogenic AvianInfluenza (bird flu) in the state, the state government as well asthe Central government will do everything necessary without amoment's delay to have the epidemic declared by the Union government,the director said.Since the reports of the outbreak of bird flu cases in neighboring Myanmar have been received in March this year [2007], the state veterinary and forestry departments have taken up special precautionary measures to prevent any possibility of the disease spreading into Manipur. A report of an outbreak of Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) at a farm located in Mayangone sub-district, Yangon (West) district, in Rangoon province [Myanmar] was received on 28 Feb 2007.--Communicated by:ProMED-mail Rapporteur Mary Marshall[The above information is rather blurry; information on the resultsobtained from the national laboratory relating to the serotype andpathogenicity of the suspected isolates will be appreciated. - Mod.AS]

[Shannon]

I need a clarification please. I thought high path H5N1 killed a significant number of poultry while low path killed none or only a few. Are they changing the definition or have I been misinformed?

[Sharpe]

Originally Posted by Shannon

I need a clarification please. I thought high path H5N1 killed a significant number of poultry while low path killed none or only a few. Are they changing the definition or have I been misinformed?

Yes, they contradict themselves. It's high-path.

[Commonground]

The samples were collected from places in the state where there were reports of deaths of chickens and other farm animals that could have been caused by avian virus, the source said.

He appealed to the people to report any unusual deaths of chickens, birds and other domestic animals [poultry].

Can anyone tell me if the bolded word above was added personally by ProMed?

[HenryN]

Originally Posted by Commonground

Can anyone tell me if the bolded word above was added personally by ProMed?

Usually ProMed commentators add words to the text (for clarification).

[Commonground]

O.K. Thanks Dr. Niman. No animals besides poultry.

[HenryN]

Originally Posted by Commonground

O.K. Thanks Dr. Niman. No animals besides poultry.

This is ProMed's clarification. It's basis is far from clear.

[Sally Furniss]

Bird flu test results fail to arrive

http://www.kanglaonline.com/index.ph...38699&typeid=2

The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jul 21: The much awaited results of the sera samples from the dead birds, including nasal fluid and cloacal samples which were sent to a Bhopal laboratory and were expected today was not received, official sources said.

The source also could not reveal the outcome of the tests so far. The samples were sent on July 7 and July 11 last for pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) test.

[HenryN]

Originally Posted by AnneZ

Bird flu test results fail to arrive

http://www.kanglaonline.com/index.ph...38699&typeid=2

The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jul 21: The much awaited results of the sera samples from the dead birds, including nasal fluid and cloacal samples which were sent to a Bhopal laboratory and were expected today was not received, official sources said.

The source also could not reveal the outcome of the tests so far. The samples were sent on July 7 and July 11 last for pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) test.

Dead birds have H5N1 in MANY organs. Limiting testing to nasal fluid and cloacal swans (and not having results within two weeks) speaks volumes.

[Niko]

Action Plan Mooted to Battle Bird Flu
Publicado - Published: 22/07/2007

INDIA.- Though the test results of the blood samples sent to Bhopal have not been received yet, an official meeting was convened today to devise an action plan, in case the samples turn out positive.

Specialist (Disease) of the State Veterinary Department Konsam Gopal confided that the test results will be certainly available by July 23 which were expected to reach Imphal today.

Even as 132 chickens perished at a chicken farm in Imphal between July 7 and 10, there is no report of any more chicken dying in the same farm.

Nevertheless, stringent preventive measures have been taken up by the Department.

Yet, an official meeting held today at State Guest House with Director of the State Veterinary Department Th Dorendra in the chair made serious deliberations to take up necessary action plans in case the results of the laboratory test at Bhopal turn out to be positive.

Among others the meeting was also attended by Joint Commissioner (Livestock Health), Ministry of Agriculture AB Neigi, senior physician of Safdarjung Hospital New Delhi Dr AK Jain and National Institute of Communicable Disease scientist Dr UBS Rana.

The meeting also discussed the feasibility of taking up an action plan similar to the one followed in Maharastra during outbreak of avian influenza there.

The Sangai Express.
http://www.desastres.org/noticias.php?id=22072007-06

[Sally Furniss]

All-alert on bird flu scare in Manipur

http://www.indianexpress.com/story/206759.html

Samudra Gupta Kashyap / AMITAV RANJAN
Posted online: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 0000 hrs Print Email
Chicken Deaths: Central team holds strategy meeting in state after Bhopal lab sends report

NEW DELHI, GUWAHATI, JULY 24: A rapid response team from the Union Health Ministry held an emergency meeting in Imphal tonight with the Manipur Chief Secretary and senior officials of the state health, veterinary and police departments, to work out precautions in view of a “strong indication” that bird flu has been detected in the state.

The alert was sounded following the receipt of a report from the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory in Bhopal where samples were sent from the 132 chicken that died — of 144 — at Chingmeirong farm early this month.

When contacted by The Indian Express tonight, HSADL Joint Director S C Dubey confirmed that he had sent the report to the Agriculture Ministry. He, however, added: “I can neither confirm nor deny (whether bird flu has been confirmed).”

Health Ministry officials here said they were awaiting further tests before the formal announcement. They said the outbreak could be of a “freak” nature as other chicken in the farm were found to be not infected.

But the Government isn’t taking any chances given reports of the H5N1 bird flu virus in neighbouring Myanmar and Bangladesh in March and May this year.

So the Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) Hospital in Imphal has already set up a special cell to handle any emergency. Two Central officials, A B Negi, joint commissioner in the Agriculture Ministry and an official from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, have been camping in Imphal since July 15.

This could be the third report of avian flu in the country and the first since April last year. The first outbreak was reported in Maharashtra last year in a small area running contiguously with Gujarat. The second one was also reported in Maharashtra.

Teams in Imphal have expanded the surveillance area.

[Sally Furniss]

Bird flu not declared yet but isolation ward set up at JN hospital to meet flu eventualities

http://www.kanglaonline.com/index.ph...38728&typeid=1

The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jul 24: Although concerned officials remain non-commital, neither confirming nor denying the detection of any pathogenic strain of the bird flu virus in the state, the alarm level has climbed significantly.

The state health department has started taking up special precautionary measures against any possible outbreak of Avian Influenza by maintaining a 10-bedded isolated ward at JN hospital in Imphal for the treatment of patients with symptoms similar to Avian Influenza (bird flu), according to a highly placed official souce.

Speculation of something serious also is rife even as AB Negi, Rapid Response Team, RRT, supervisor of India for bird flu, who left Imphal for Kohima and Guwahati a few days back returned to Imphal after taking assessment of nagaland and Assam.

Soon after his return a high level meeting was convened late this afternoon attended by the state chief secretary and concerned authorities of the state veterinary and animal husbandry department to decide on further action, the source added.

Official sources also said this afternoon`s joint meeting at the JN hospital conference hall, was also attended by three scientists from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, state secretary of health P Vaiphei and director health services Ph Suresh and other officials of the state health department discussed the neccesary precautionary measures to be taken up by the concerned department if the much awaited bird flu tests are found positive in the state.

The source further said that in today`s meeting with the scientists, it was decided to prepare an isolation ward at the Hiengang Public Health Centre as well as the said PHC is the nearest the sub health centre located in the village areas where the suspected disease was was suspected.

The meeting also decided to conduct short trainings for nurses and doctors who will be in the Rapid Response Teams, RRTs of the state health department, and specialists of the health department are now in the process of charting out a map to trace vulnerable areas in the state as per instructions, the source added.

The source said serioius concerns became necessary for the state health and veterinary and animal husbandry department following the incidence of the death of a number of chicken in one of the private farms at Chingmeirong area in Imphal this month.

Local media became alert after the so claimed coincidental visit at around the same time of two high officials of the Union ministry of agriculture and veterinary and ministry of health which are the national head of the RRT for the disease.

The state government following the first round of state level meeting held earlier this month under the supervision of state chief secretary Jarnail Singh has already instructed precautionary steps by the state health department.

As a result the department has started procuring kits for the operational medical team and other medical items for the prevention of human to human transfer of the virus, the source added.

Likewise, the state veterinary and animal husbandry department too has taken up special precautionary measures by maintaining logistical materials for the operation if the flu virs is confirmed in the state from the samples sent for testing.

Officials of the department today disclosed that from the very day of the discovery of the mass deaths at a poultry farm at Chingmeirong they had taken up neccesary preventive measures as per the instructions of the state government.

The department is keeping on alert all 80 RRTs with full Personal Protection Equipment kits and very recently a control room at the state veterinary directorate with internet facilities for current bird flu updates, the official source added.

On being asked why the disease has not been declared as yet, they said Central government laboratory in Bhopal has still to confirm the prevalence of the virus. Radical measures such as culling farm birds as of now may prove counter productive, they said.

Moreover, the announcement can only come from the Central government after it has confirmed the flu virus positively, they added. Meanwhile even as sale of dressed chicken drops drastically in Imphal, the frequency of curious enquiries at local newspapers from colleagues outside the state as well as from various health and foreign consolates are growing.

[Sally Furniss]

Bird flu scare, Results likely to arrive today
Source: The Sangai Express

http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=1..250707.jul07

Imphal, July 24: Even as the results of the samples sent to the High Security Animal Diseases Laboratory at Bhopal and the National Institute of Virology at Pune are being awaited to ascertain whether the virus that causes bird flu has landed in Manipur or not, the State Level Committee headed by the Chief Secretary discussed the steps being taken up by the Government to tackle any eventualities today.

The samples were sent after 132 fowls being reared at a farm within the Imphal Municipality area expired suddenly one after the other.

Speaking to The Sangai Express today, Doctor Th Dorendro of the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department said that the results from Bhopal and Pune may arrive tomorrow.

The samples were sent to Bhopal and Pune in three batches and all the dead fowls have been buried.

To a question, Dorendro said that the samples were sent to both Pune and Bhopal to cross check the results.

If the result is positive, then it has to be announced to the public, he explained.

The doctor further informed that if the meat is cooked at 70 degree Celsius the virus cannot survive.

He also advised the people to wash their hands properly with soap after feeding their fowls and not to let children play near the livestock.

Use of disinfectant after coming into contact with the affected bird also helps in warding off the virus.

Meanwhile a meeting of the State Level Committee headed by the Chief Secretary was held at his office chamber today.

Among others, Joint Commissioner in the Union Agriculture Ministry, AB Negi who has been stationed at Imphal for the last couple of days to supervise the measures taken up, was present at the meeting.

The other officials present at the meeting included the Principal Secretary (Revenue), Health Secretary, Finance Commissioner, Chief Conservator of Forest, Veterinary Secretary, Health Director, Veterinary Director and the DCs of Imphal East and West.

The meeting discussed at length all the possible measures that may be taken up, if the results from Bhopal and Pune turn out to be positive, said a source.

During the meeting it was decided to keep at ready, sprayers that may be used to spray medicines to kill the virus in both Imphal East and West.

The two DCs have also been asked to ensure that JCBs and other equipments that may be needed to dig up the earth and bury the dead fowls are kept ready.

In case the result which is expected by tomorrow turns out to be positive then all fowls, ducks and other domesticated birds kept within a radius of 5 kms where the death of the fowls was reported, will be culled, said the source.

SAFETY TIPS
* The virus dies if the meat is cooked above 70 degree celsius.

Do not eat under cooked chicken or duck meat.
* In case one comes into contact with fowls or ducks, then one must wash one's hand carefully with soap.
* Use of disinfectant is recommended as its use can ward off the virus.
* Do not let children play near the place where chickens and ducks are kept.

[Niko]

Manipur tests poultry for bird flu after deaths

Wed Jul 25, 2007 10:05AM IST

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Authorities were testing chickens at a small poultry farm in Manipur for bird flu after a number of birds died suddenly, a senior official said on Wednesday.

The "unusual mortality" this month left 133 chickens dead out of 144 at the farm in Manipur, said Upma Chawdhry, Joint Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department.

"The mortality was sudden, just in the space of a few days," Chawdhry said.

She added 20 people living on the farm were taking Tamiflu, the most popular drug for treating and preventing bird flu, as well as six veterinary workers as a "matter of abundant precaution".

The government expects the results from tests on the blood and tissue samples of the birds this week, including for the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus. Chawdhry said the remaining chickens at the farm had been killed and the area sanitised.

Manipur, a remote state that is racked by separatist violence, borders Myanmar, which has fought outbreaks of bird flu among poultry this year.
India has reported no outbreak of bird flu in its multi-billion dollar poultry industry or among backyard poultry this year, despite nearly a dozen alerts.
It declared itself bird flu free last August after two major outbreaks among chickens in the west of the country in 2006.

India has asked it border guards to prevent people from bringing in poultry illegally from Bangladesh, China and Myanmar, Chawdhry said.

China and Bangladesh -- which neighbour India's northeast -- have reported bird flu among chickens this year, with China also reporting human cases and deaths due to the H5N1 strain.

Globally, the H5N1 virus has killed nearly 200 people out of more than 300 known cases, according to the World Health Organisation, while hundreds of millions of birds have died or been slaughtered.

http://in.reuters.com/article/topNew...5?pageNumber=1

[Dutchy]

India reports new outbreak of bird flu in chickens

NEW DELHI, July 25 (Reuters) - India declared a fresh outbreak of avian influenza among poultry, the first this year, but a senior official said on Wednesday authorities were yet to confirm if it was the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain.

"We have avian influenza," Upma Chawdhry, joint secretary of the federal Animal Husbandry Department, told Reuters.

The outbreak was located in a small farm in remote Manipur state in the country's northeast where 133 chickens out of 144 suddenly died this month, Chawdhry said.

"The state government has been informed and asked to start the control and containment operations," she said.

http://wap.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/DEL189615.htm

[Dutchy]

India reports new outbreak of bird flu in chickens

(Updates with details)

By Kamil Zaheer

NEW DELHI, July 25 (Reuters) - India declared a fresh outbreak of avian influenza among poultry, the first this year, but a senior official said on Wednesday authorities were yet to confirm if it was the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain.

"We have avian influenza," Upma Chawdhry, joint secretary of the federal Animal Husbandry Department, told Reuters.

The outbreak was located in a small farm in remote Manipur state in the country's northeast where 133 chickens out of 144 suddenly died this month, Chawdhry said.

"The state government has been informed and asked to start the control and containment operations," she said.

Manipur, a remote state that is racked by separatist violence, borders Myanmar, which has fought outbreaks of the H5N1 strain of bird flu among poultry this year

At least 20 people living on the farm were taking Tamiflu, the most popular drug for treating bird flu, as well as six veterinary workers as a "matter of abundant precaution," Chawdhry said earlier on Wednesday.

Health workers involved in containing the infection in the area will also be given Tamiflu, she said.

The government plans to hold a news conference on Wednesday evening.

India has not reported until now an outbreak of bird flu in its multi-billion dollar poultry industry or among backyard poultry this year, despite nearly a dozen alerts.

India declared itself bird flu free last August after two major outbreaks among chickens in the west of the country in 2006.

Border guards have been ordered to stop people from bringing in poultry illegally from Bangladesh, China and Myanmar, Chawdhry said.

China and Bangladesh -- which neighbour India's northeast -- have reported bird flu among chickens this year, with China also reporting human cases and deaths due to the H5N1 strain.

Globally, the H5N1 virus has killed nearly 200 people out of more than 300 known cases, according to the World Health Organisation, while hundreds of millions of birds have died or been slaughtered.

http://wap.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SP229806.htm

[Theresa42]

Manipur:

[Dutchy]

Bird flu hits Manipur; govt plans ahead

25 Jul, 2007,


NEW DELHI: UPA Government has woken up from deep slumber after 133 chicken deaths have been reported from Manipur due to the deadly bird flu.

Sources divulged that following consultations with Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the centre has decided to set up a central control room in the Agriculture Ministry to prevent spread of bird flu to other parts of the country.

The control room that will also have officials from Health and Animal Husbandry Departments will send out alerts across the country and seek information on any suspected cases of 'bird flu' in their respective areas.

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar is expected to review the "confirmed reports" of large scale bird flu tha has hit a Chingmeirong farm in Manipur earlier this month.

It is learnt that Pawar would brief the Prime Minister and other senior Cabinet colleagues on the bird flu that has hit the North Eastern state possibly due to a virus H5N1 which must have travelled from across Myanmar and Bangladesh borders.

"Situation is grim" said an official on condition of anonimity. "The bird flu is likely to hit the economic sentiment at macro level while the poultry industry and their stocks are bound to be impacted" said this official source.

This is the third case of bird flu that has been reported with earlier cases in Maharashtra and villages bordering Gujarat.

Sources said that the High Security Animal Diseases Laboratory in Bhopal has apparently confirmed the cases of bird flu after serum analysis extracted from the dead chicken in Imphal.

What is interesting is that the bird flu cases have been reported despite claims that a regular sero-surveillance was being done. This surveillance includes collection of birds' serum from across the country that is analysed on monthly basis at five designated laboratories in the country.

However, only the laboratory in Bhopal has the wherewithals for final confirmation of bird flu cases that have had serious impact on even advanced economies of the world.

As per existing norms, the import of live birds or their parts from countries with a record of bird flu is banned in to.

Chicken feed is seen as one another source of bird flu that could have hit the farm in Imphal.

However, the final analysis is yet awaited.

Meanwhile, the impacted area near Imphal has been quarantined till further investigations are done to prevent the spread of this dreaded disease that has turned out to be a challenge for several South, South-East Asian Economies.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/...ow/2232047.cms

[HenryN]

Confirmed cases in Bangledesh and Mayanmar

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0...9&t=h&z=5&om=0

[HenryN]

Originally Posted by Dutchy

Bird flu hits Manipur; govt plans ahead

25 Jul, 2007,


Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar is expected to review the "confirmed reports" of large scale bird flu tha has hit a Chingmeirong farm in Manipur earlier this month.


http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/...ow/2232047.cms

Chingmeirong added

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UT...,12.172852&z=6

[Amish Country]

Test results may be available tomorrow:

http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=1..250707.jul07

[HenryN]

Title	:	India reports first bird flu outbreak in nearly a year
By	:
Date	:	25 July 2007 1902 hrs (SST)
URL	:	http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori...290312/1/.html

NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday reported an outbreak of bird flu among poultry, the first since it declared itself free of the disease last August. The government's department of animal husbandry said on its website that the outbreak had occurred on a farm in northeastern Manipur state, where 132 of 144 chickens died earlier this month. The department did not say whether the chickens had succumbed to the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza. India declared itself free of bird flu last August after a February 2006 outbreak which saw authorities kill tens of thousands of birds. Manipur state borders Myanmar, which has reported two outbreaks of the H5N1 strain among its poultry flocks this year. Myanmar has not reported any human cases of bird flu. The WHO has recorded 319 cases of bird flu in humans, of which 192 resulted in deaths, according to the most recent tally dated Wednesday. Scientists worry the bird flu virus could mutate into a form easily spread among humans, leading to a global pandemic with the potential to kill millions. There have been fears that the virus could spread easily to humans in India, a country of more than one billion people where many live in close proximity with poultry. - AFP/yy

[HenryN]

Originally Posted by Amish Country

Test results may be available tomorrow:

http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=1..250707.jul07

Tomorrow is today (report is dated July 24).

[HenryN]

Government calls for calm

July 25 2007 at 03:55PM

India on Wednesday reported an outbreak of bird flu among poultry, the first since it declared itself free of the disease last August, sparking public fears despite official calls for calm. The government's department of animal husbandry said on its website that the outbreak had occurred on a farm in northeastern Manipur state, where 132 of 144 chickens died earlier this month. The department did not say whether the chickens had succumbed to the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza. "All preventive measures are being taken," Bimal Singh, an official at the state chief minister's office in Imphal, told AFP by telephone. However, people in Manipur were already starting to worry. "People have already stopped eating chicken or even eggs," said Mani Singh, a businessman in Imphal, the state capital. Manipur borders Myanmar, which has reported two outbreaks of the H5N1 strain among its poultry flocks this year. A team of experts from the animal husbandry department were dispatched to Manipur to work out strategies to tackle the outbreak and prevent its spread, Singh said. "Chickens are being culled in a five-kilometre radius from the farm where the deaths were reported," a senior veterinary official said in Imphal. Health officials said there had not been any reports of human illness following the outbreak. Myanmar also has not reported any human cases of bird flu. "We are keeping a check on the health status of the workers involved in the farm where the deaths were reported," a Manipur health department official said. India declared itself free of bird flu last August after a February 2006 outbreak which saw authorities kill tens of thousands of birds. The World Health Organisation has recorded 319 cases of bird flu in humans, of which 192 resulted in deaths, according to the most recent tally dated Wednesday. Scientists worry the bird flu virus could mutate into a form easily spread among humans, leading to a global pandemic with the potential to kill millions. These fears have been especially prevalent in India, a country of more than one billion people where many live in close proximity with poultry. http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_i...4412594C511081

[Dutchy]

Bird flu in Manipur, safe to take cooked poultry food: Govt.

Jul. 25, 2007

The government today said bird flu cases have been detected in Manipur and 1.5 lakh birds will be culled to check its spread, but assured it was safe to take "well-cooked" poultry food.

"Bird flu appears to be very localised and limited presently to one unit in Manipur. There is no other report of unusual mortality or sickness in other neighbouring north- eastern states," Animal Husbandry Secretary Charusheela Sohoni told reporters here.

She said 132 birds of the total flock of 144 birds died in six days from July 7 at a backyard poultry unit at village Chingmeirong in Manipur. About 1.5 lakh birds in a radius of five km from the village will be culled in the next ten days, she added.

"Samples of them (in Manipur) are positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) (H5)," Sohoni said.

http://www.indiadaily.com/breaking_news/91737.asp

note: not sure, but "lakh" means "thousand" I think; correction: lakh = 100 000

[HenryN]

Commentary at

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/07...ndia_2007.html

[HenryN]

India reports bird flu outbreak in northeast 07/25/07 03:34 pm (GMT)
NEW DELHI (Thomson Financial) - India's government has reported an outbreak of bird flu among poultry, the first outbreak since it declared itself free of the disease last August. The government's department of animal husbandry said it had started to cull tens of thousands of birds in the northeastern state of Manipur, where 132 of 144 chickens at a small poultry farm died earlier this month. The health ministry said it had rushed "rapid response teams" to test 450,000 people for possible symptoms of bird flu within a ten-kilometre radius of the infected zone in Manipur's Imphal state capital district. Charusheela Sohony, who heads the animal husbandry department, said the infected birds died within a six-day period from July 7. "Samples taken from the dead as well as the remaining stock are positive" for highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza, Sohony said, adding a "containment process" was underway to prevent the disease spreading. She told reporters tests were being carried out to ascertain whether the chickens had the virulent H5N1 strain of avian influenza. "The culling of 150,000 chickens has started in 128 poultry (farms) in a five-kilometre radius of Chingmeirong village where bird flu has been confirmed," she said. "The disease appears to be very localised and limited presently to one unit in the state," said Sohony. Health ministry official Vineet Chowdhury said 21 family members directly exposed to the infected chickens in Chingmeirong were being given the anti-viral drug Oseltamivir. "So far none has showed any symptoms of infection," he said. "We have sent 40 medical teams to survey 80,000 households in a timeframe of ten days," Chowdhury said. Manipur borders Myanmar, which has reported two outbreaks of the H5N1 strain among its poultry flocks this year. Indian officials said authorities were investigating whether the infection had come from outside Manipur. The World Health Organisation has recorded 319 cases of bird flu in humans, of which 192 have resulted in deaths, according to Wednesday's most recent tally. tf.TFN-Europe_newsdesk@thomson.com jag/jag http://www.forextelevision.com/FT/AF...jsp?seq=227012