avian-influenza-detected-in-sikkim-s-soreng

The District Magistrate of Soreng has issued a containment order following confirmation of avian influenza cases in poultry farms in the district, officials said on Tuesday.

 

According to a notification issued by the Office of the District Collector-cum-District Magistrate, infections were reported from Ward No. 4, Buriakhop Rengang under 28-Buriakhop GPU and Ward No. 3, Songri under 07-Takuthang Chuchen GPU.

 

The affected localities have been declared infected zones with specific geographical boundaries, while the entire areas under 28-Buriakhop GPU and 07-Takuthang Chuchen GPU have been notified as surveillance zones. The District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department will demarcate the exact boundaries.

 

Movement of live poultry, birds, eggs, meat, feed, equipment and related materials into or out of the infected zones has been prohibited with immediate effect. Check-posts will be set up and monitored by district police in coordination with veterinary officials.

 

The order mandates humane culling of infected and exposed poultry as per Government of India protocol. Carcasses and contaminated materials will be disposed of scientifically through deep burial or incineration under official supervision.

 

Also Read: Chennai on alert as H5N1 flu kills hundreds of crows

 

All live bird markets within the infected zones have been closed until further orders, and sanitisation drives will be undertaken in the affected areas.

 

The Chief Medical Officer has been directed to monitor individuals exposed to infected birds and ensure availability of personal protective equipment, antiviral medicines and isolation facilities, if required. Community-level awareness and surveillance will also be conducted.

 

The District Animal Husbandry Department will act as the nodal agency, with inter-departmental coordination in place. Violations of the order will invite penal action under the Disaster Management Act and other applicable laws.

 

A 24×7 control room has been activated at the District Emergency Operation Centre in Soreng, and the Animal Husbandry helpline number 1962 will remain operational. The order has come into force with immediate effect and will remain valid until further directions.