'Bird flu' declared in govt poultry farm in East Garo Hills

Meghalaya government on Wednesday confirmed 'bird-flu' in a government-run poultry farm in East Garo Hills district and more than 5500 birds is suspected to have been affected within a radius of three km near the farm.

"Bhopal-based High Security Animal Disease Laboratory has confirmed that samples sent is affected with bird-flu," East Garo Hills deputy commissioner Pravin Bakshi told PTI.

"Sales, import and export of poultry and poultry products has been banned outrightly in the district," Pravin said, adding that neighbouring South Garo Hills and West Garo Hills districts besides West Khasi Hills district have also been requested to follow the same order.

Besides, the district administration has requested the Chief Secretary W M S Pariat to dispatch doctors to the area to contain the disease.

Around 3000 birds in the farm at the district headquarter, Williamnagar, have been affected, Pravin said.

Affected birds will be culled on Thursday even as around 5500 birds within three km radius in the area will also face the knife, Pravin said.

A district level task force which includes police, health officials and fire service has been activated since Tuesday while a control room at the DC's office will be activated on Thursday, Bakshi said.

The district administration has also requested people with symptoms to see a doctor at the nearest PHC or CHC.

A senior government doctor here said bird-flu has the symptoms like those of common cold, diarrhoea and fever.