GOI CONFIRMS AVIAN INFLUENZA IN DEAD POULTRY IN MANIPUR

UNCLAS KOLKATA 000219 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AIAG - HSUMMERS, JLANGE, TNEWTON DEPT PLS PASS HHS-WSTEIGER, DBELL, CHICKEY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KFLU SENV ECON TBIO EAGR PGOV IN NP BG BM SUBJECT: GOI CONFIRMS AVIAN INFLUENZA IN DEAD POULTRY IN MANIPUR REF: KOLKATA 217 ¶1. (U) On July 25, the Chief Secretary of Manipur has confirmed the existence of avian influenza in poultry. In a government notice, the Chief Secretary said that the Government of India (GOI) informed the Manipur state government that, "Avian influenza in poultry is reported from a small unit in Chingmeirong village, in Imphal East district. Blood samples from the birds [about 150 had died between July 7 and 10] were sent to High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL) Bhopal and to the National Institute of Virology (Pune) for testing. These samples have been tested positive for H5 strain of avian influenza." ¶2. (U) In response, the Manipur government will begin implementing the GOI's Action Plan for Preparedness, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza. The State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Departments, along with the Health Department, have been designated as lead agencies to implement the plan. As part of the plan, birds will be culled within a 5 km radius of the infected site. A ban on the movement of poultry products and farm personnel from the infected site within a radius of 10km will also be put in place. Surveillance will be carried out within a radius of 5 to 10 kilometers. The government will compensate owners for the loss of poultry and destruction of birds at a stipulated rate. A state government control room has been set up to send daily reports to GOI officials and to advise the public. JARDINE