Avian Influenza: Minister Atul Bora orders strict vigil along border areas

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: In view of the outbreak of Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Bihar and Jharkhand, the Assam Government had banned the import of poultry from other states through the western border of the State as a precautionary measure from March 6, 2023.

The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department had constituted a task force to monitor all routes and to ensure that no vehicle transporting poultry and pigs from outside could enter the State. However, despite the ban, there have been reports that broiler chicken continues to be imported into the State through some remote routes, especially along the Assam-Bengal border villages.

State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary and Agriculture Minister Atul Bora today chaired a meeting to review the avian influenza scenario in the State as well as other states. The minister said that so far no avian influenza case has been reported in Assam. This makes it all the more important to stay alert and ensure that no infected poultry enters the State because an outbreak of avian influenza in the State will adversely affect the local poultry farmers, said the minister.

Bora instructed the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department officials to coordinate with the police and the administration of the border districts in taking steps to ensure that no poultry-laden vehicle from other districts enters Assam.

In the review meeting, the minister further directed the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department to ensure that there is sufficient stock of medicines and vaccines for animals during this monsoon season.

The minister today visited the Tetelia Agro Organic Farmer Producer Company (FPC) near Sonapur. The FPC has taken up farming of vegetables and cocoa. The minister inspected the agricultural activities carried out by the FPC and was impressed by the fact that youths were showing interest in agriculture and farming. He said that the Tetelia Agro Organic FPC could become a model FPC.

Around 300 families in the Sonapur area are involved in cocoa farming and the Tetelia Agro Organic FPC has played a major role in this.

Also Read:  Avian influenza: State veterinarians on alert

Also Watch: