<span style="color: #222222;">In the wake of recent unusual mortality of poultry, crows, migratory birds reported from Kerala, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying held a meeting with the States. The meeting was convened to understand the status of the outbreak of Avian Influenza and to suggest measures to States and UTs for control, containment and prevention of spread of the disease. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">So far, the disease has been confirmed only from Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Culling operations are underway in the affected districts of Kerala.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">During the meeting, it was emphasized that besides increasing surveillance around water bodies, live bird markets, zoos and poultry farms, proper disposal of carcass and strengthening of bio-security in poultry farms may be ensured. States were requested to be prepared for any eventuality of Avian Influenza and to ensure sufficient stock of PPE kits and accessories required for culling operations.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Besides ensuring collection of representative samples and timely submission to the designated laboratories, State Animal Husbandry departments were requested to ensure effective communication and coordination with Health authorities for close vigilance of the disease status and avoid any chances of jumping of the disease into humans. Effective coordination with the state Forest departments was also emphasized for immediate reporting of any unusual mortalities in non-domestic birds in forest areas and around water bodies.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Department has also established a central Control room to strategize, co-ordinate and facilitate state governments with regard to outbreak management, disease control and containment. Two central teams have been deployed to visit Kerala, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh for monitoring and for epidemiological investigation.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Department along with Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority, NDMA also held a meeting today with all States' officials of the Health Department, Animal Husbandry Departments and State Disaster Management Authorities to take stock of preparedness and to advise on intensive surveillance in affected areas.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">States have been asked to quell consumer reactions, affected by rumors and increase awareness regarding safety of poultry or poultry products that are safe for consumption following boiling or cooking procedures.</span><br />''