CHENNAI: As part of the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of avian flu from Karnataka, the Tamil Nadu government has suspended transportation of poultry items including chicken and eggs until the disease is brought under control in Karnataka. All district collectors have been instructed to keep vigil on this issue.
Following reports on the outbreak of avian flu in Molkera village in Bidar district in Karnataka, Minister for Animal Husbandry P Balakrishna Reddy held discussions with department officials and directed them to take measures to prevent its spread from Karnataka. In all, 38 checkposts have been functioning round the clock in 10 districts bordering the neighbouring states. As many as 1,200 Rapid Response Teams have been kept ready across Tamil Nadu to take measures to curb the flu.
Poultry items such as eggs meant for hatcheries in Tamil Nadu that were transported from Karnataka, have been returned to that State at the inter-State checkposts. Germicide is being sprayed on all vehicles coming from Karnataka. A round the clock control room has been set up at the office of Director of Animal Husbandry Department. The government has requested cooperation from various departments including Health, Municipal Administration, Forests, Commercial Taxes, National Egg Coordination Committee, poultry growers and Southern Railway in preventing the spread of Avian Flu in Tamil Nadu.