AGARTALA, Jan 16 (TIWN): Around 10,000 chickens have been culled at the poultry farm of Gandhigram so far, following the detection of first case of Avian Influenza (bird flu) in the state. Reportedly, as a part to control and containment measures to prevent the spread of the virus avian influenza in Tripura, a special team wearing protective aprons and masks begun with the massive drive of culling at Gandhigram. Thereafter, they have culled 10, 000 chickens at the poultry farm of Gandhigram. Besides, it has been reported that the next drive of the culling operation will begin from Sunday.

As per the central guideline to handle avian influenza, the department has conducted the culling operation, a mandatory provision in the guideline. According to the reports, the culling operation will be conducted in one kilometre radius of the affected area at the Gandhigram poultry farm.However, the Animal Resource Development Department has already identified the surveillance zone of the origin of the avian influenza virus to monitor the situation.Though no major harm has been reported yet within the surveillance zone, yet measures o be taken to curb the fresh outbreak of the avian influenza in the area.

Reportedly, Fiver Rapid Response Teams have been formed to bring the situation under control. According to reports, the Animal Resource Development Department though there is nothing to panic with the situation as it is a fresh outbreak of the virus but there is a chance of human infection. It is to be mentioned here that outbreak of avian influenza came into notice after National Institute of High Security Animal Disease at Bhopal confirmed about the virus on January 13.

The test was conducted after hundreds of chicken has fallen ill at the Gandhigram poultry farm on January 6. Since then the Department has collected the sample and send it to after National Institute of High Security Animal Disease.

According to the World Health Organization, Avian Influenza was first discovered in humans in 1997, and has killed nearly 60 percent of those infected.

The disease mostly occurs naturally in wild waterfowl but is get spread easily through domestic poultry. The virus gets transmitted in humans through contact with the infected birds, nasal secretions or secretions from the mouth and eyes.