No human cases of bird flu as yet, says govt
The Centre will set up three high security labs in Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata, to test human clinical samples for various lethal infections. Each of these bio-safety level-3 labs would cost Rs 3 crore.
The government will also invest Rs 6-7.5 crore to set up regional research labs in Jalandhar, Kolkata and Bangalore for testing samples from birds.
Officials from health and animal husbandry ministries told reporters here on Monday that the disease surveillance system of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), too, would be bolstered.
These labs would significantly enhance the government’s capability to identify various pathogens at highly secured places, from where clinical samples do not go out.
As part of the measures to counter the spread of the deadly H5N1 strain of avian influenza, culling operations have been completed in the extended surveillance zone in Gujarat, where 1.6 lakh birds have been killed.
Poultry farmers have been given Rs 28.57 crores as compensation. In Maharashtra, 289,771 birds have been killed and 13 lakh eggs destroyed. Around Rs 12 lakhs have been given in compensation.
The central and state governments equally contribute to the compensation kitty, officials said. They assured that there is no human case of avian influenza yet.
After February 21, 31 clinical samples were sent to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases. The 14 samples from Maharashtra and 6 from Gujarat received on February 22, have tested negative in preliminary tests.
The four samples received on February 25 from Gujarat and another seven received from Mahrashtra. on February 27 are being processed.
Their results are expected shortly, officials said, adding that the situation in these states are being closely monitored and are under control.
Posted By Staff Reporter
in Punjab News
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