Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that emphasis should be laid on Information, Education and Communication (IEC) to sensitize the people of the State regarding adopting safety measures to check further spread of Bird Flu. He said this while presiding over a meeting here today to take stock of situation arisen due to Bird Flu.

Chief Minister said that ban had been imposed in the State on import of poultry products for a week from other States in order to ensure that infection does not come from other States through poultry products.

Jai Ram Thakur said that till date about 4324 migratory birds have died of bird flu and these birds were being buried as per the protocol, to prevent the spread of the virus. He said that about 65 rapid response teams of Animal Husbandry and Wild Life departments were regularly monitoring the Pong Dam and adjoining areas. He said that keeping in view the intensity of Bird Flu, samples of poultry have been sent to RDDL Jalandhar by Animal Husbandry Department.

Chief Minister said that 1000 dead domestic poultry birds were found dumped in Dharampur Sub Division of district Solan and these birds were disposed of by deep burial and area was being sanitized as per protocol and samples sent to RDDL Jallandhar for diagnosis. He said that 215 other birds were also found dead in various parts of the State till date .

Jai Ram Thakur directed the officers to keep strict vigil on birds alongside reservoirs and people should be sensitized about proper handling of poultry products.

Chief Minister said that it is important to spread awareness amongst people regarding preventive measures from Bird Flu and directed the concerned officers to take necessary steps in this direction. He also urged the people to inform the Animal Husbandry and Wild Life Departments if any bird was found dead in their areas.

Chief Secretary Anil Khachi, Additional Chief Secretary Animal Husbandry Nisha Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Revenue R.D. Dhiman, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister J.C. Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. Savita, Director Animal Husbandry Dr. Ajmer Dogra and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.