Bhutan: Bird Flu Outbreak in Rinchending, Phuentsholing

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.moa.gov.bt/moa/news/news_detail.php?id=1024

Bird Flu Outbreak in Rinchending, Phuentsholing

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forest would like to inform the public an HSN1 Birdflu (Avian Flu) outbreak has been declared in Rinchending (Kharbandi), Phuentsholing under Chukha Dzongkhag by the National Incident Common Centre on 23rd February 2010. The source of the infection is believed to be from the Pasakha area.

However, the Ministry has asked the public not be alarmed because the incidence is fully under control and the required control measures are already in place. The Ministry will be providing regular updates to the general public on the new outbreak of HPA1 through various media including this website www.moa.gov.bt. As such, the general public has been asked to kindly extend full support and cooperation the implementation of HPA1 control activities.

To read the Minutes of the first NICC (National Incident Command Centre) meeting on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak at Rinchending, Phuentsholing please click here.
admin, Feb 24 - 2010

 

[Treyfish]

Re: Bhutan: Bird Flu Outbreak in Rinchending, Phuentsholing

<table width="100%" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr height="26"><td class="body-txt">Minutes of the first NICC meeting on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak at Rinchending, Phuentsholing </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="body-txt"> [FONT=&quot]Venue: DoL Conference hall<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Time: 9:15 AM<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Date: 23^rd February 2010<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]<o> </o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]NICC members present<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Offtg. Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Forest, CHAIRMAN<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]2.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Director General, Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture & Forest<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]3.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Executive Director, Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Services<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]4.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Lt. Colonel Tshewang, Royal Bhutan Police, Thimphu<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]5.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Mr. Thuji Tshering, CRQO, BAFRA <o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]6.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Dr. Tashi Dorji, CLO, DoL<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]7.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Mr. Koinchoik Wangdi, CLO, DoL<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]8.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Mr. Jigme Wangchuk, DCLO, DoL<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]9.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Dr. J. B. Gurung, Animal Health Specialist, DoL<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]10.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Dr. Karma Rinzin, Program Director, NCAH Serbithang<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]11.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Dr. Pasang Tshering, Animal Health Specialist, NCAH Serbithang<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]12.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Dr. N. Dahal, DCVO, NCAH Serbithang<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]13.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Mr. Damcho Norbu, Offtg. RQO, BAFRA<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]14.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Mr. Tandin, Offtg. Director, Department of Public Health, MoH, Thimphu<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]15.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Mr. Jigme Chogyal, APO, Department of Disaster Management<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]16.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Mr Tandin Norbu, ICS<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]17.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Mr. Kinzang Namgay, CPS, DoL<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]18.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Representatives from the media<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]<o> </o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]The Chairman of the National Incident Command Centre for National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan welcomed the participants of the NICC to the emergency meeting. The chairman stressed on the importance for effectively and timely control of the disease outbreak at the epicenter. He also emphasised on the cooperation and support from all the stakeholders for effectively implementing the rapid response measures. <o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]<o> </o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Dr. Karma briefed the [/FONT][FONT=&quot]NICC members on the sequence of events that occurred and the actions taken so far since the first report of suspected H5N1 outbreak from Rinchending, Phuentsholing on 18^th February 2010. Following areas were highlighted;<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]a.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Confirmation of the outbreak including laboratory confirmation from reference labs- HSADL Bhopal, India and NIAH Bangkok<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]b.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Depopulation, disposal and decontamination activities<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]c.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Compensation for culling of chickens in the containment area<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Some key issues from the field as noticed during the current episode were highlighted and are included in the minutes of the meeting.<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]<o> </o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Dr. Pasang Tshering then outlined on the convening of the NICC and on the roles and responsibilities of the NICC and specific decisions to be made by the committee during the meeting.<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]<o> </o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Decisions and recommendations made during the meeting[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]The committee decided that following the confirmation of the outbreak of H5N1 in the country at Rinchending, Phuentsholing, following decisions and directives were issued;<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Convening of the NICC ? done on 23^rd Feb 2010 at DoL conference hall.<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]2.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]The house endorsed the official notification of the disease outbreak<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]3.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]The house was briefed on the pros and cons of OIE notification. The floor agreed that the Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Forest will be briefed on the OIE notification before the final reporting to OIE is done. <o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]4.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Establishment of Incident Operation Centre ? Although the Incident Operation Centre is already functioning, the house endorsed to officially establish the Centre and identification of the IOC Commander. NICC will issue an executive order for IOC establishment.<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]5.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]The house endorsed the nomination of the following officials as media spokespersons<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]a.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Mr. Thuji Tshering, Chief Regulatory and Quarantine Officer, BAFRA <o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]b.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]Dr. Karma Rinzin, Program Director, National Centre for Animal Health, DoL <o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]6.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]The NICC agreed to update the events to the National Steering Committee and inform other relevant agencies<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Others:<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]7.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]On the issue of cross border information on the outbreak of Avian Influenza, the house endorsed to share information with the relevant adjoining Indian Institutions.<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]8.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]The house endorsed to establish disinfection points by BAFRA on both the routes (Pasakha-Manitar route and Sorchen-Jumja route). Location to be decided based on the technical justifications of the outbreak area. Reactivation of disinfection of all the major entry points will also be carried. <o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]9.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]On the hire of vehicles and logistics arrangement, the floor agreed that the IOC is authorised to hire vehicles on need basis. Similarly, hire of one vehicle each required for the two checkpoints to be established by BAFRA on both the routes to Thimphu was endorsed.<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]10.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]On the issue of catching of some free ranging birds which are not easy to catch, the house agreed to procure nets directly from the company to speed up the procurement process due to urgent requirement, while in the mean time the scavenging birds should be disposed off as per SOP by any other means that can be applicable to catch them. The nets can be used for similar cases in future.<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]11.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]On the issue of disposal sites for the culled birds, the house agreed that the IOC team leader should be able to locate and decide on the area. Probable recommended site would be Rinchending area which is already declared as infected.<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]12.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]On the issue of manpower for carrying out the operation, in the affected as well as in alert areas, the house endorsed that BAFRA could hire personnel for check point disinfection and culling operations. As an urgent measure, the house also endorsed recruitment of 10 numbers of class 12 candidates to assist disinfection program to be introduced at Pasakha and Ramitey route immediately. <o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]13.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]The house endorsed involvement of Police personnel in the 3D operations and movement control. <o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]14.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]The budget involved for these activities will be borne by the World Bank supported Bird flu project. Any supplementary budget required will be processed with the government on emergency basis by the concerned agencies.<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]15.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]The house also endorsed that the Department of Public Health will ensure safety measures such as prophylactic medication of the high risk groups, health monitoring of the public in the affected area and back up provision of PPE. <o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]16.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]The need for resources and other logistics as back up support was felt necessary from the Department of Disaster Management and the representative was accordingly asked to appraise the matter with the head of the Department<o></o>[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]17.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=&quot]The house endorsed equipping the alert areas with basic requirements (PPE, Diagnostic provisions etc.) for immediate control of any suspected outbreaks.<o></o>[/FONT]
</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(239, 248, 248);" align="right"> admin, Feb 24 - 2010:tiphat:http://www.moa.gov.bt/moa/news/news_detail.php?id=1025</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Bhutan: Bird Flu Outbreak in Rinchending, Phuentsholing

Source: http://www.moa.gov.bt/moa/news/news_detail.php?id=1027

BIRD FLU CONTAINMENT UPDATE: NICC

BIRD FLU CONTAINMENT UPDATEUpdate on Containment of Bird Flu Outbreak at Rinchending and Pasakha, Phuentsholing

The National Incident Command Centre (NICC) would like to provide an update on the Containment of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), H5N1 outbreak at Rinchending, Phuentsholing under Chhukha Dzongkhag.


1. After the emergency meeting of the NICC on February 23, 2010, Incident Operation Centre (IOC) at Satellite Veterinary Laboratory in Phuentsholing was activated under the commander of Dr. Basant Sharma, RVO, RLDC, Tsimasham.

* IOC members (Dasho Dungpa, RBP, RBA, DHO, DLO, BAFRA and city corporation representatives) organized emergency meeting on the same day. The action plan was drawn for 3-D operation at Ahalley-Torribari, Torribari, Pasakha bazaar, Chengmari, BCCL-BFAL colonies, BOD- Pasakha and Rametey as death of poultry has been reported and recorded.
* On 23rd February 2010, 51 poultry birds and 15 eggs were depopulated / destroyed by the 3-D (Depopulation, Disposal and Decontamination) team as per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), which is the second epicenter for H5N1 outbreak.
* Medical team under the IOC was activated to monitor the health of the RRTs and public of Rinchending and Pasakha.
* Surveillance was conducted at Chengmari village (There were about 33 households almost all the people are employed in the factories. The poultry population in the area is about 283 nos, Ducks 12 nos., and pigeon 2 nos)


2. Action taken on 3-D operation at Chengbari in Pasakha under Sampheling geog on February 24, 2010:

* 176 nos. of poultry birds, 7 ducks and 38 nos. eggs were depopulated / destroyed by the 3-D team as per SOP.
* About 20 nos. of coops and 16 baskets were also dismantled, burned and disinfected.
* Decontamination at Pasakha Bazaar after 24 hours of de-population along with the dismantling of 6 coops followed by burning.
* Disinfection of vehicles and people started at Saang Lam gate and main gate at Phuentsholing as per the directives from NICC.
* Metal foot dip trays (1m x 0.5m x 3?? x 10 nos) are put in use at the strategic locations in the infected areas.
* Surveillance was conducted at Toorsa area- v.i.z. Bangay Bazaar, Cremation ground and depot areas under Phuentsholing geog in six households with poultry population of 96 nos; had mortality of about 13 nos about 2-3 weeks back.
o One bird tested for Rapid Influenza Test and found negative.
o It was informed that daily about 4 to 5 carcass of poultry used to be seen in the ground. On inspection, feathers were strewn across the ground in several places. Stray dogs could have eaten the carcasses. The origin of the carcass could not be traced. The areas will be under strict monitoring.
o 2 volunteers were identified at strategic points to report to the team in case of mortality or outbreak.

* Medical team distributed Tamiflu-antiviral drug (Oseltamivir) to RRT and exposed populations
* Rinchending area and Pasakha area are kept under the strict vigilance by BAFRA officials which are the two epicenters at present.


Work plan for 25th February 2010

* 3-D operation will be done at BCCL, BFAL, Telecom and BOD area in the morning at 6.00am while at Chengbari (in the remaining households) in the afternoon.
* Decontamination at Chengbari after 24 hours combined with the 3-D operation in the remaining areas.
* Compensation at Pasakha Bazaar and Chengmari.
* Surveillance will be done at Toorsa area and BPC colony.


The Director General, DoL, MoAF is in the field coordinating the outbreak containment operations.

The NICC would like to report that the incidence is fully under control and the required control measures are being implemented smoothly.

The Media Team from Information and Communication Services are on site to record and report on the containment activities.


Secretary and Chairman

National Incident Command Centre admin, Feb 25 - 2010

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Bhutan: Bird Flu Outbreak in Rinchending, Phuentsholing

Source: http://www.moa.gov.bt/moa/news/news_detail.php?id=1037

BIRD FLU CONTAINMENT UPDATE REPORT: NCAH

BIRD FLU CONTAINMENT UPDATE: NCAHFollowing is the report by Dr. Karma Rinzin, Programme Director, National Centre for Animal Health (NCAH), Serbithang about the the update on the HPAI situation and action taken at the national level and at the field by Incident Operation Centres/Rapid Response Teams to contain the HPAI outbreak at Rinchending and Pasakha. The issues that require the attention of the National Incident Command Centre (NICC) will be presented during the forth coming NICC meeting:

Action taken on 25 February 2010 to rapidly contain Bird Flu Outbreak at Rinchending and Pasakha, Phuentsholing


(NCAH Website can be found by clicking here)



Following actions were taken to rapidly contain Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), H5N1 outbreak at Rinchending, Phuentsholing under Chhukha Dzongkhag.

1. Action taken at national level

- Provided the update to Hon?ble NSC and NICC members on the action taken so far.

- RSPCA bus was hired and deputed to Phuentsholing for the transportation of RRTs and vehicle disinfection team.

- The ongoing Diploma in Veterinary Laboratory technology course was temporarily suspended as the course teachers are fully involved in AI containment programme. Eight student deputed to Phuentsholing for assisting in the movement control and disinfection and will remain in Phuentsholing till BAFRA recruits new temporary staff for disinfection of vehicle.

- Additional fund and resources mobilized and send to the IOC members.

- Press release was issued to the media by the DOL and BAFRA Spokes Person.

- Engineer from BIORAD had installed the RT-PCR machine at National Centre for Animal Health today.

- Provided technical and policy directives to the IOC members.

- Two power sprayer supplied to the team to start spaying at Pasakha

- Veterinary Vigilance Teams at Gelephu, samdrup-Jongkha and samtse are on full alert.

- The disinfection of vehicle at Singhi Bridge and Kamji has started from today.

- The disinfection at Samtse, Pugli, Gelephu and Samdrup-Jongkha


2. Action taken by IOC members:

2.1 Disease Investigation Team:


2.1.1 Investigation of disease outbreak at Toorsa river bank

Based on the field report the investigation team visited the make shift camp at Toorsa river bank to carry out thorough disease investigation. The investigation team found that out of four birds one was found death and two are sick. The Rapid Field test of one sick and dead bird showed negative result. According to the investigation team the postmortem findings of the dead bird is typical of HPAI. The sample was collected which will be referred to NCAH.



2.1.2 Investigation of disease outbreak at Tsimasham.

Based on the report of alarming poultry death at PWD labour camp and community school at Tsimasham the investigation tem was deputed from NCAH on 26 Feb 2010. Based on the signs and symptoms and history the tentative diagnosis is Newcastle Disease. This will be further confirmed at NCAH Laboratory today.



2.2 Action taken by 3-D (Depopulation, Disposal and Decontamination) Team

The 3-D operation was carried out at BCCL colony, Pasakha Shop area, BFAL, Cement factory, Telecom, Chengbari, nad Cococola factory area. The operation was done between 6.00 am to 9.30 am in the morning and between 3.00pm to 10.30pm in the afternoon.



? 167 nos. of poultry birds, 4 ducks and 9 nos. eggs were depopulated/disposed by the 3-D team as per the SOP procedure.

? About 16 nos. of coops and 5 baskets were also dismantled, disinfected and burnt besides 3-D operation.

? After 24 hours of De-population, disinfection, decontamination and disposal of the litter materials including the de-population of left over poultry was also done in Chengbari.

? For regulatory and quarantine measures, and to reduce the virus load in the affected areas foot dips are set up at outbreak sites in Rinchindeng, Pasakha Baazar, BCCL colony, Chengbari, Nayabasti, Tooribari and Alley-Tooribari with sign boards in English and Dzongkha.

? Kamji area selected for disinfection of vehicles since there are no proper sites at Ramitey area due to road widening works.



2.3 Action taken by Surveillance Team

The surveillance team visited the make shift tent in Toorsa rea. (Temporary settlement, Jatu company, temporary settlement Druk Tshogley company and BPC).

? About 15 households were visited which had total population of 124 nos of poultry out of which 86 nos died during the last few weeks with a mortality 69.35%.

? Provided awareness and also contact numbers at strategic locations to report in case of outbreak and mortality.



2.4 Action taken by Medical team

? Medical team monitored the health of the RRT and public of BCCL, BFAL Chengbari, Chargharey, and BOD areas

? Distributed Tamiflu-antiviral drug (Oseltamivir) to RRT and exposed population including the awareness and random sample collection for testing.



2.5 Action taken on the regulatory and movement control

? Encountered illegal import of three live ducks from Bangay Baazar Bhalujhora and the birds de-populated and dumped. The defaulter was handed over to RBP as he failed to pay the penalties.



For NICC Approval

? The market value of the poultry and its products in Sampheling area are as follows: Adult- Nu.300/bird, Young birds (less than 5 months)-Nu.110/bird, Day old chicks (DOC)- 40/bird, Adult Ducks ?Nu.250/bird, Young Duck (less than 5 months)- Nu.100/chick, Day Old Chicks (DOC) ? Nu.40 chick; and Egg-Nu.8/bird, Basket (Doko)-Nu.75/piece. Accordingly the Compensation amount for different poultry categories and its products will be provided @ 75% of the above value as follows:

1. Adult poultry-Nu.225, Young Poultry (less than 5 months)-Nu.83/bird, Day Old Chicks- 30/bird, Adult Ducks ?Nu.188/bird, Young Ducks- Nu.75/chick, Day Old Chick (DOC) ? Nu.30 chick; Egg-Nu.6/piece, Basket (Doko)-Nu.50/piece (lumpsum) and Coop-Nu.200/per shed (lumpsum).

2. 12 nos of Foot Troughs including the sign boards and banners will be placed in the 3-D operation sites as per the 3-D operation locations mentioned above.

3. In the carcass disposal sites (around 12 locations) the area will be fenced with barbed wire with sign board to avoid spread of the disease and to maintain the bio-security in the area.

4. At least four additional power spraying machine needs to be procured immediately.
admin, Feb 27 - 2010

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: Bhutan: Bird Flu Outbreak in Rinchending, Phuentsholing

<HR style="COLOR: #cccccc; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #cccccc" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>Culling and compensation going hand in hand
<!-- Posted on Wednesday, March 03 @ 00:48:38 EST by chencho -->


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=3 width=280 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>

</TD></TR><TR><TD>[SIZE=+0]Bird Flu Batallion: Poultry culling operations being carried out in Chengmari, Phuentsholing last week[/SIZE]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Bird Flu Outbreak 3 March, 2010 - Nu 115,376 has been paid as compensation for the culling of 795 adult birds, young poultry and day old chicks, and the destruction of 91 coops and 157 eggs, following the recent outbreak of bird flu in Rinchending, four kilometres from the border town of Phuentsholing.

As of yesterday 1,119 poultry were culled, 140 coops dismantled and destroyed and 250 eggs disposed of in and around Rinchending and Pasakha areas.
The compensation for an adult bird is Nu 225, Nu 83 for young poultry and day old chicks, Nu 6 an egg and Nu 200 for a coop, according to livestock officials.

“The owners are paid 75 percent of the market rate,” said the regional veterinary officer of department of livestock, Dr Basant Sharma. The compensation is being paid from the World Bank bird flu project fund initiated in 2007.

“The ban will continue for a minimum of three months from now,” said the focal person of the national centre animal health (NCAH), Dr Karma Rinzin.

“The outbreak could be a result of illegal import of poultry or wild birds carrying the flu.”

The first death of a poultry bird was reported on February 13, after which eight chickens died and 14 tested positive. The samples were sent for tests to Thailand and India.

A team, comprising officials from livestock department, health, police and Bhutan agriculture and food regulatory authority (BAFRA) are carrying out the 3D action of depopulation, disposal and decontamination in the affected areas. Quarantine measures, like disinfection of vehicles and people in the affected areas like Pasakha, are also being carried out.

Bhutan has enforced bans on the import of poultry products several times since the bird flu first hit South East Asia in 2004.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), avian influenza, first identified in Italy in 1878, is an infectious disease of birds, caused by type A strains of the influenza virus, and occurs worldwide. To date, human cases have been reported in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam.

“H5N1 avian influenza in humans is still a rare disease, but a severe one that must be closely watched and studied, particularly because of the potential of this virus to evolve in ways that could start a pandemic,” states WHO.

http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=14809

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Bhutan: Bird Flu Outbreak in Rinchending, Phuentsholing

admin, Mar 16 - 2010

Hon?ble Secretary visits Samtse and Chukha Dzongkhags to oversee Bird Flu containment and prevention activities

Dasho Sherub Gyaltshen, the Hon?ble Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests visited Samtse and Chukha Dzongkhags from 10th to 13th March 2010. The purpose of the visit was to oversee the bird flu containment and prevention activities in Chukha and Samtse Dzongkhags. The Hon?ble Secretary was accompanied by some members of the National Incident Command Centre (NICC), Mr. Karma Dorji, Executive Director of BAFRA; Mr. Koinchok Wangdi, Officiating Director General of the Department of Livestock; Mr. Thuji Tshering, CRQO, BAFRA; Dr. Karma Rinzin, PD, NCAH and Mr. Jambay Dorji, APO, BAFRA.



The Kamji disinfection point on the Phuentsholing-Thimphu Highway

On the first day, on the way from Thimphu to Phuentsholing, the team stopped at checkposts at Chunzom and Tanalum manned by BAFRA officials and the vehicle disinfection site at Kamji. The team visited Samtse Dzongkhag on 11thMarch 2010. In Samtse Dzongkhag, the team visited the disinfection sites at the entry gates at Samtse, Jitti and Gomtu and also the RNR Extension Centre at Sipsoo where a meeting was held with the VVVT sub team and members of the public. The Hon?ble Secretary hosted a lunch at Samtse for the Veterinary Vigilance Team (VVT) members, Border Vigilance Team (BVT) and other stakeholders i.e. RBP, Health and RBA followed by a meeting with VVT, BVT and other stakeholders at the Dzongkhag Veterinary Hospital, Samtse. The Team Leader of the VVT briefed Dasho on the various bird flu prevention activities carried out in Samtse Dzongkhag. Hon?ble Dasho commended on the good job done by the VVT, BVT and other stakeholders because of which Samtse is still free from bird flu. The visit to Samtse Dzongkhag was made before visiting the bird flu affected areas in Sampheling and Phuentsholing geog in Chukha Dzongkhag to avoid spreading the disease.



Disposal pit in Pasakha, Phuentsholing

On 12th March, the team visited the bird flu affected areas at Rinchending, Pasakha and Toorsa river bank. The carcass disposal sites at the 3D (depopulation, disposal, decontamination) areas and the disinfection footbaths at the strategic locations were inspected. The team also visited the vehicle disinfection sites at Phuentsholing main gate and Singye Bridge near Pasakha. Finally the team visited the Incident Operation Centre (IOC) and met with the IOC members. The Hon?ble Dasho also hosted a dinner for the IOC and Rapid Response Team (RRT) members which includes officials from DOL, BAFRA, MoH, Dzongkhag Administration and RBP. During the dinner the Incident Commander briefed Dasho and the team on the activities carried out by the IOC and RRT members.

Dasho Secretary reminded that the Incident Commander of the IOC has the full authority for the containment of bird flu as provided in National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (NIPPP) and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and that he should demand cooperation and actions and that all other sectors are to follow the instruction of the IOC Commander.



At Gomtu, automatic spraying of disinfecting mist at the gates

Furthermore, while applauding and commending the good work by all concerned in containing the outbreak in Pasakha and Rinchending, Dasho Secretary instructed the IOC to ensure that the disease does not spread northwards from the affected areas. The Incident Commander and other team leaders thanked Dasho and other NICC members for visiting them and for all the support rendered by the NICC without which the operation would not have been successful. They also expressed that such visits by higher officials provides extra energy to rapidly contain the bird flu outbreak.

One of the main reasons for the visit was to lend support and add value to this important activity in containing the bird flu disease.

http://www.moa.gov.bt/moa/news/news_detail.php?id=1061