PUDUCHERRY: The Department of Animal Husbandry, Puducherry, has issued an advisory on avian influenza (bird flu) in view of the ongoing migratory bird season. Migratory waterfowl visiting local wetlands may carry the virus without showing symptoms and can potentially transmit it to domestic poultry, said a release from the department.Surveillance has been intensified in wetlands, poultry farms and live bird markets. Veterinary teams are conducting awareness and advising farmers to strictly follow biosecurity measures, including preventing contact between wild and domestic birds, restricting farm access, and promptly reporting unusual bird deaths. Rapid response teams are on alert to manage any suspected cases in line with the Union govt’s guidelines. The public is advised not to handle sick or dead birds and to inform the nearest veterinary authority in case of unusual mortality. Properly cooked poultry meat and eggs remain safe for consumption, said the release.There is no cause for panic. The situation is under close monitoring, and necessary preventive measures are in place to safeguard poultry and public health. Director (animal husbandry) G Latha Mangeshkkar directed the commune veterinary assistant surgeons to inspect poultry farms, chicken centres, hatcheries, and firms or centres handling/ marketing poultry and poultry products to observe the birds for flu symptoms, ensure proper disposal of dead birds and poultry waste scientifically, and submit reports every week.
