Question : Outbreaks of Avian Influenza

(a) whether it is true that the outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) were reported at various epicentres in the country and if so, the details thereof along with its implications on the Indian economy;

(b) the various preventive measures taken by the Government for control and containment of Avian Influenza;

(c) whether the Government has undertaken/ proposes to undertake any study to find out the reasons for frequent outbreaks of avian Influenza and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether the Government has directed the authorities concerned to take all precautionary measures to prevent outbreaks of Avian influenza in future and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

(SHRI RADHA MOHAN SINGH)


(a) to (d) : A statement is laid on the Table of the House.



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STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (D) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 226 FOR 1ST AUGUST, 2017 REGARDING ‘OUTBREAK OF AVIAN INFLUENZA’


(a) and (b): Outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza were reported at various locations in Delhi, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), Rajpura (Punjab), Hissar (Haryana), Bellary (Karnataka), Allappuzha and Kottayam (Kerala), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Daman (Daman) and Khordha and Angul (Odisha) during October, 2016 to February, 2017.

Containment operations for all the outbreaks were carried out as per Action Plan on Preparedness, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza including culling of poultry birds within one km radius of each outbreak. 8.47 lakh birds were culled during the period. Further, as per latest surveillance analysis reports, now, there is no evidence of presence of Avian Influenza Virus in the country. India has, accordingly declared itself free from Avian Influenza (H5N8 and H5N1) from 6th June, 2017 as per OIE guidelines and the same has been notified to the OIE.

(c) and (d) The National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal under ICAR has conducted a study to find out the reasons for outbreaks of Avian Influenza above in the National Zoological Park, New Delhi and Gandhi Zoological Park, Gwalior. As per Study Report, these viruses are of H5N8 type and are similar to viruses in Russian Federation and China and may have been carried by the wild migratory birds.

The Government has accordingly issued necessary advisories/guidelines to all the states/ zoos for control and containment and surveillance of the disease.


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