Bird flu alert in UP; import of poultry products banned

Lucknow, December 22

Following reports of a bird flu case in Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh banned the import of chicken, eggs and all forms of poultry from other states, an official said on Monday.

The state government has also ordered thorough inspection of all poultry units across the state.

Chief Veterinary Officer Vipin Kumar Agarwal while confirming the alert sounded by the state government said veterinary doctors of the state government were sensitised with regard to the matter.

R.P. Singh, Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, said till further notice, import of chicken and eggs from other states has been completely banned. This, he added, had been necessitated after reports of bird flu filtered in from other parts of the country.

The state government has ordered the sampling of all chickens and formation of Rapid Action teams in all districts to ensure vaccination.

An official said that the state possessed 4,000 big and small poultry farms. — IANS