AVIAN INFLUENZA - MANIPUR SITREP, JULY 23 2007

UNCLAS KOLKATA 000220 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AIAG - HSUMMERS, JLANGE, TNEWTON DEPT PLS PASS TO HHS-WSTEIGER, DBELL, CHICKEY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KFLU SENV TBIO EAGR PGOV IN BM BG SUBJECT: AVIAN INFLUENZA - MANIPUR SITREP, JULY 23 2007 REF: KOLKATA 217, KOLKATA 219 ¶1. (U) The National Institute of Virology in Pune reported that the virus detected in the samples taken from the dead poultry in Manipur is H5N1. The Manipur government has set up a control room as part of the GOI Action Plan for Preparedness, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza. Contact information for Control Room operations is: Dr. Dorendra Singh 0385- 2450224 (direct line); 098564-54231 (mobile phone). The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Manipur's East Imphal district has been designated as lead officer. The State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department along with the State Health Department has been designated as lead agencies for plan implementation. ¶2. (U) As indicated in Reftels, the state government is taking the following steps: -- Banning the movement of poultry and poultry products in the infected areas. -- Closing poultry and egg markets and shops within 10 km of the infected site. -- Banning the movement of poultry farm personnel. -- Restricting access to the infected site. -- Cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing the site. -- Conducting post-operation surveillance. ¶3. (U) Initial reports had 132 out of 144 birds at the Chingmeirong poultry farm reported dead from the virus. On July 26, after a delay due to heavy rains, culling of domesticated birds began within a 5 km radius of the infected farm. Surveillance will be carried out within a radius of 5-10 km. Culling operations will lead to an estimated loss of Rupees (Rs) 6 million (approximately USD 150,000) to Manipur's economy. This excludes losses incurred by traders due to fall in demand. The state government will compensate poultry owners for the destruction of birds. Compensation is to be paid immediately at the rate of Rs 10 (25 cents) per chick, Rs. 40 (one dollar) for egg-layers and Rs 30 (75 cents) for broilers. ¶4. (U) So far, none of the farm workers and family members at the Chingmeirong poultry farm has shown symptoms of Avian Influenza. 21 people living on the farm are being administered Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) as a prophylaxis. Nine veterinary workers are also getting Tamiflu. The drug is being distributed through the government health system. ¶5. (U) Media reports say that a rapid response team (RRT) from New Delhi is arriving in Imphal on July 26 and will participate in culling of birds with the assistance of rapid response teams from the state veterinary and health departments. The State Public Works Department is likely to be roped in for culling and disposal of birds. 40 RRTs, including 20 standby RRTs have been put in place for household surveys, monitoring, and medical examination if necessary. The RRTs include one medical officer assisted by three health supervisors and 30 health workers. ¶6. (U) The State Health Department says they have an adequate stock of Tamiflu tablets, personal protection equipment (PPE) and N-95 masks. A 10-bed isolation ward has been set up at Jawarlal Nehru Hospital in Imphal. ¶7. Comment: The GOI response to the outbreak appears to be quick and effective so far. Because access to Manipur by diplomatic personnel is restricted, Consulate Kolkata is sending an FSN from its Pol/Econ section to Imphal tomorrow to assess the situation. JARDINE