The district administration and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services have heightened surveillance at all three check posts on the Karnataka-Kerala border in Dakshina Kannada (DK) district following reports of a bird flu outbreak in Alappuzha district, Kerala.
Strengthened Surveillance at Border Check Posts
Surveillance measures have been reinforced at the check posts in Jalsur (Sullia), Saradka (Bantwal), and Talapady (Ullal), according to Dr. Arun Kumar Shetty, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services. Poultry chickens from Dakshina Kannada are primarily transported to Kerala, necessitating stringent monitoring at these entry points.
Sanitization Protocols and Awareness Initiatives
Vehicles transporting poultry and related products from Dakshina Kannada to Kerala are sanitized at the border check posts upon their return. Additionally, poultry farm owners are instructed to restrict outsider access and ensure sanitization of vehicles entering the farms. Awareness campaigns are conducted among farmers by veterinarians to recognize and report any unnatural bird or chicken deaths, with specific attention to the risk of bird flu transmission.
Mitigating Risks of Infection Spread
Given the reduced likelihood of bird flu transmission from migratory birds during summer, farmers are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious cases to the Animal Husbandry Department. Special precautions are urged for laborers working in poultry farms and meat processing industries to prevent potential infections.
Vigilance Against Glanders Infections
Apart from bird flu, the department remains vigilant against Glanders infection in horses, a concern traced elsewhere in Karnataka. Owners are advised against acquiring new horses from outside the district for the time being, with DK district currently housing only 18 horses.
Conclusion
The proactive measures undertaken by the district administration and the Animal Husbandry Department aim to mitigate the risks associated with the bird flu outbreak and other infectious diseases, ensuring the safety of both livestock and human populations in the region.
