Bird Flu Scare in Chandigarh, Duck Sample Tests Positive

After the outbreak of H5NI virus in three affected districts of Kerala, there have been reports about a bird flu scare in Chandigarh. An official has revealed that a sample of a duck found dead at the famous Sukhna lake tested positive for the H5N1 (avian flu) virus. (Nearly 2.6 Lakh Ducks Culled in Kerala)The Sukhna lake has about 250 ducks and it is a star attraction for visitors. Nearly 30 ducks  were found dead under mysterious circumstances in the past few days. According to a spokesman of the Chandigarh administration, "Some samples were sent to the Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Jalandhar for testing. In turn, they sent them for further testing to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal. Of the six samples sent for investigation, one sample tested positive for H5N1."Officials from the administration confirmed that the Chandigarh Police has been directed to ensure that the Sukhna lake, which attracts many morning and evening walkers and hundreds of tourists every day, remains out of bounds for the general public. "At present, there is no assessment regarding any outbreak of bird flu in Chandigarh. The situation is, however, being closely monitored," the spokesman added.Though there has been 'no alarm or alert issued for the general public', authorities have ordered the lake island area to be fenced. "The movement of the ducks has been restricted. Police personnel as well as forest rangers have been deployed in the lake area to ensure that people are kept at a distance from the ducks in order to prevent any direct contact," the spokesman said.Moreover, authorities have formed five rapid response teams 'to counter any type of untoward situation'. The Central Poultry Development Organisation has already been asked to take all necessary precautions for prevention of the disease as per the standard surveillance plan.