The Punjab Government has declared the whole state as a ‘Controlled Area’ in view of the outbreak of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) affecting birds, including poultry in the neighbouring states. In another major decision, Punjab has imposed complete ban on import of live birds including poultry and unprocessed poultry meat for any purpose into the state of Punjab with immediate effect till January 15, 2021. The decision will be reviewed based on the evolving situation.
In a press communiqué, additional Chief Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department VK Janjua has said that both the decisions were taken in consultation with the Animal Husbandry Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa to prevent/control the spread of avian influenza.
He further said that these decisions have been taken as per provisions of the Act to control of scheduled diseases under the Prevention and control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009. The bird flu has spread to six states in the country and the Centre has requested states and Union Territories (UTs) to increase awareness regarding the safety of poultry or poultry products. These six include Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Gujarat. Central teams have been deployed to visit the affected states of Kerala, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh for monitoring and for epidemiological investigation.
