Mizoram steps up surveillance to prevent bird flu

Even as around 100 samples have been sent to Bhopal’s High Security Animal Testing Laboratory every month, no positive sample from the state had been identified till date

(Bird flu photo - file picture)

Aizawl: Mizoram has enhanced vigil in its border areas to prevent sneaking of birds, chicken, pigs and other animals, as a precautionary measure to protect the state from bird flu.

A state animal husbandry and veterinary official said Wednesday rapid action teams had been sent to the border areas while different enforcement agencies along the borders had been alerted to prevent import of animals and birds.

Mizoram is located between Myanmar and Bangladesh and shares 722 km-long international border with the two bird flu-affected countries. It also shares border with the avian flu-hit Assam.

Even as around 100 samples have been sent to Bhopal’s High Security Animal Testing Laboratory every month, no positive sample from the state had been identified till date.

“The absence of sea birds in Mizoram, that are the main carrier of the disease, might be the reason why the state remains free from the dreaded disease. But we have to remain alert,” an AHD official confirmed.

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