November 8, 2005

India sets up bird flu surveillance posts along Myanmar border
 

Indian authorities said surveillance posts have been set up along the border with Myanmar to watch out for signs of bird flu, after some migratory birds died in north-eastern Manipur state. 

Local residents in Manipur's Tamenglong district bordering Myanmar, recently saw carcasses of at least five to six red-footed falcons, which prompted authorities into action, a local official said.

The official added that the surveillance posts were located at areas with maximum concentrations of red-footed falcons, along the Myanmar border. Veterinarians and wildlife officials were put on high alert and were closely monitoring the situation.

Another local official said authorities have sent a carcass sample for forensic tests to identify the cause of death. A massive bird flu awareness campaign was launched in the area as well, and locals were urged to report any deaths of migratory birds.

Red-footed falcons from Central Europe and Asia arrived at breeding grounds along the Barak river in Tamenglong during winter. Wildlife officials estimated 450,000 of these birds have already arrived there.

Local authorities have also banned the sale and consumption of poultry products as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, local authorities at Kaziranga National Park, Assam state, have been on heightened alert following the recent arrival of thousands of migratory birds from China and Siberia.