(a) whether the Government has asked the border States to observe strict
surveillance against avian influenza after outbreak of the poultry disease in Bhutan;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the financial and technical assistance being provided to these border States for
the purpose?
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a)& (b): Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries has issued advisory
on 22.01.2013 to all the bordering States of Bhutan in the wake of the report of outbreak
of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Bhutan. A copy of the advisory is annexed.
(c): No funds are provided specifically for Avian Influenza. However, under centrally
sponsored scheme ‘Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD)’ the funds
are provided to the States for carrying out the surveillance against exotic and emerging
diseases which includes avian influenza also.