Karnataka Department of Animal Husbandry is all set for a massive surveillance programme to contain bird flu in the state. The department would utilise its 2005-06 annual budget of Rs. 7.60 crore allocated specifically for control of avian life.

"The initiative is a sequel to a directive from the Central government which called to maintain cleaner surroundings for those rearing farm animals and poultry," informed Dr. N Raja Gopal director, Karnataka Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences.

The Department of Animal Husbandry has set up a state-level committee under the chairmanship of the head of the Department of Microbiology, Veterinary College. The 27 districts in the State will be closely monitored by the deputy commissioner in the region.

While there is no immediate threat of a bird flu attack in Karnataka, a high alert has been given in the state. Under the surveillance programme 8 bird sanctuaries in Karnataka which are Ranganathittu, Arabi, Tala Cauvery, Gudubi, Athiveri, Ghataprabha, Rannebennur and Kokre Bellur in addition to the 711 layer and 3,000 broiler poultry farms would also be closely monitored.

The Ranganathittu bird sanctuary near Mysore which is a major base for migratory birds between November and March has been put on high alert and a veterinary doctor has been stationed at the sanctuary as part of the state's avian flu preparedness plan.

Further precautions are taken where the samples of wild and domestic birds' excreta and serum respectively are sent in for testing to the regional laboratory at Hebbal in Bangalore which will also be sent to the Institute of Biological Studies, Bhopal for double verification. In the last one month, around 600 samples of faeces and sera of the birds have been despatched for tests to the lab in Bangalore.

The State has also made efforts to distribute pamphlets to the local farmers in the 27 districts in Karnataka to create and awareness on the threat of the bird flu and educate them on the safety measures to be taken. The department has also taken the assistance of the forest department and the bird watcher societies to collect information on the birds and their nativity. In addition, the officers who are selected for the surveillance programme are asked to keep a constant watch on the migratory birds which enter the state between November and fly away during March.

"Confirming that there are no cases diagnosed for H5N1virus, the department has a key role to coordinate strategies of prevention and cure," stated Dr. Raja Gopal.

He further added that the Karnataka Poultry Federation has also published publicity material on steps to identify bird flu and measures to prevent spread of it. Instructions on hygiene and bio security methods are provided to the poultry sector.