No case of bird flu reported in Manipur, says minister

Imphal: Oinam Lukhoi Singh, the Veterinary Minister of Manipur, has informed that there have been no bird flu cases in the state so far. However, preventive measures and immediate steps are in place for active target surveillance against the disease.

The minister further informed the government has already imposed a “temporary ban on entry of poultry and poultry products such as eggs, meat and live birds including ducks, guinea fowls, turkey and quails” from outside the state.

“These measures will prevent escalation of the disease in Manipur,” he said.

The state has already set up Rapid Response Team (RRT) in all districts in collaboration of Deputy Commissioners, District Superintendents of Police and District Veterinary Officers of the border districts.

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During the media briefing, Singh also informed that the contagious African Swine Fever (ASF) was reported in the Salungpham area in Thoubal district and Nongmaiching Chingkhong(Wakha) area in Imphal East district in Manipur. He assured that the situation is under control. As such, the District Administration, Thoubal in its order issued on January 2 notified “controlled areas” for ASF at Kangyambem, Lokchao, Salungpham Mamang Leikai, he said.

The order imposed a ban on pork sale, feed, and related items in these “controlled area” and “infected zones”. It also restricts the movement of pigs from the place where they are kept.

Meanwhile, the minister strongly appealed the state’s people not to panic as the government is actively taking up all preventive measures through the state veterinary department.

Also Read: Manipur bans import of poultry and poultry products