Telangana tightens border surveillance to prevent spread of bird flu from AP
Hyderabad: Amid bird flu scare in the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, the Telangana government has intensified its vehicle checking operations at the state borders to prevent the spread of suspected avian influenza outbreak.
As per reports, several chickens were found dead in a poultry farm in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. After testing the samples of dead birds, the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NISHAD) in Bhopal has confirmed H5N1 virus, also known as bird flu. The deaths of chickens were first reported on January 13 in Godavari region.
Following the latest development, the Telangana officials from Gadwal veterinary department have increased the surveillance at the inter-state border at the Alampur toll plaza. The special teams stationed at the Alampur toll plaza are checking the trucks coming from Kurnool and other areas and sending them back if they find these loaded with poultry.
The vet officials conducted similar vehicle checking drives on Monday evening as well. The toll plaza staff at other bordering districts have also been instructed to stay alert and not permit poultry-laden vehicles from Andhra Pradesh.
It has been reported that the state animal husbandry and police department have issued directions to the officials to disallow vehicles which carry chickens or bird feed from the neighbouring state.
Meanwhile, the administration in East Godavari district has sounded a bird flu alert after several dead chickens were found at three different places, including Kanuru village. The authorities have also imposed Section 144 within a one-kilometre radius of Kanuru village. The public has also been advised to not to consume eggs and chicken while the owners of poultry farms were directed to strictly implement biosecurity measures.
