Bird Flu Scare In Odisha: Swab Samples Of Chilika Birds Sent For Test

Bhubaneswar: Following the outbreak of the bird flu in several states including Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Rajasthan, the Odisha Government on Tuesday stepped up necessary measures to contain its spread.

Talking to mediapersons, Chief District Veterinary Officer (CDVO), Khurda, Bishnu Charan Sahu said the Animal Resources department has collected stool and swab samples of 400 birds in Chilika lake. Those as well as poultry from the research farm of Odisha University of Agriculture Technology have been sent to the Animal Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) at Phulnakhara on the outskirts of the city for test.

As more migratory birds have flocked Chilika lake this winter, more samples will be collected from Nalabana area of the lake where they are found in large numbers, he added.

Sahu further said apart from this, the swab samples from the poultry farm at Kerang in Khurda district will also be sent for the test.

Asked about the possibility of the bird flu in Odisha, Director, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Ratnakar Rout said collection of swabs of birds and poultry is a routine process. As the bird flu is usually reported during winter season, these samples are sent for test to ascertain the presence of flu.

“Usually we confirm the bird flu in the area where the death of birds takes place at regular intervals. However, there is no such report of bird flu in any place in Odisha till date,” Rout added.

Also Read: Odisha Govt Sounds Bird Flu Alert In Bhitarkanika National Park