July 29, 2005

India intensifies anti-bird flu measures despite detecting no cases

India has intensified anti-bird flu measures despite having no reported cases in the country, following the latest outbreaks in other Asian countries, according to industry reports.

De-contamination has become routine for anyone visiting poultry farms in Punjab state in northern India.

The Indian government has also ordered villagers to report any suspected cases.

Industry reports stated that the extensive precautions of the government and farmers have paid off.

India has also banned the import of chickens from all countries where bird flu cases have been reported.

Other precautions included ensuring that sales representatives travelling between farms did not transmit infections, through the use of medicated sprays.

Many Indian consumers avoided chickens following the bird-flu scare in the country early last year.

Industry reports estimated that sales fell by 50 to 60 percent, triggering huge losses for the poultry sector.