By IANS
New Delhi : In a precautionary measure against bird flu, Delhi Friday ordered “clinical checks” of poultry before it is brought into the capital.
After reviewing Delhi’s preparedness to face the bird flu threat, Delhi Health Minister Yoganand Shastri said: “We are keeping strict vigilance on the 15 poultry farms in Delhi.
“The poultry brought to Delhi from the neighbouring states and each and every vehicle carrying poultry is being inspected,” the minister said.
He further said that it has been directed to allow entry and sales “after required clinical checks”.
Shastri reviewed the situation with top officials of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the state department of animal husbandry.
He said the state animal husbandry department and health department are fully geared for any eventuality.
“The health department has already constituted a state rapid response team and nine district rapid response teams for the purpose,” he said.
He further directed that “strict vigilance be continued” across the capital.
On Tuesday, India confirmed an outbreak of bird flu in two districts – Birbhum and south Dinajpur – of West Bengal. As of Friday, the state government also reported poultry deaths from Khargram and Baroa in Murshidabad besides Nadia and Burdwan.