Death of poultry had been reported from Navapur Taluka of District Nandurbar, Maharashtra. Preliminary investigations had indicated the possibility of Newcastle (Raniket) disease but confirmed as Avian Influenza H5N1 by High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL), Bhopal.

A series of strategic actions have been initiated immediately on confirmation of Avian Influenza. The contingency plans have been put into operation. These actions include declaration of infected 3 Kms. and surveillance areas upto 10 Kms, absolute ban on movement of poultry or its products in infected areas, closure of poultry and egg markets and shops, destruction of affected poultry followed by proper disposal and vaccination of birds in the surveillance area etc. Containment operations will extend to cover some poultry in adjoining areas in Uchchhal Tehsil of Surat district in Gujarat State also.

It is the policy of the Government to compensate for loss of poultry on account of culling and destruction of diseased and healthy birds in the infected area.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India deputed its Rapid Response Teams to Maharashtra on 16th February and to Gujarat on 19th February, 2006. The teams are in the field and assisting the State health authorities in carrying out active surveillance to identify suspected cases among contacts of infected poultry. Adequate quantity of Tamiflu and personal protective equipments are available to meet any exigency.

There is active surveillance for those who had come in to contact with poultry and all those reported to have symptoms of even upper respiratory tract infections are isolated and kept under observation following strict infection control practices. There are however no reports of any human cases of Avian Influenza.

Earlier, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had initiated a number of preparedness measures which includes monitoring by inter ministerial group, national consultation and preparation of contingency plan which has been circulated all States and districts, stockpiling of oseltamivir Tamiflu and personal protective equipments etc.

The present outbreak of Avian Influenza in poultry is localized to a limited area in Navapur Taluka of Nundurbar District in Maharshtra. There is no cause for panic. The Government is keeping a close watch on the situation. Other States have also been alerted to remain vigilant. There is no need for any country to impose travel restrictions to India. This is also in consonance with the International practice followed by other affected coutries.

For any assistance, round the clock control rooms are functioning from EMR Division Tel. No. 23061302; FAX: 23061457 and from National Institute of Communicable Diseases Tel. No. 23921401; FAX: 23913028 of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The situation is being closely monitored and is under control.

Colombo