Imphal, July 18: Results of laboratory tests of the chicken blood samples sent to Bhopal following the deaths of 132 chickens reared at a farm located within Imphal Municipal area may be available by July 22.Further more than 200 nasal and cloacal samples collected from chickens and ducks reared at farms within 5 km radius of the affected farm were sent to Bhopal and Pune today aboard an Indian Airlines flight.

Talking to The Sangai Express on the sudden death of a large number of chicken, Joint Commissioner of the Union Ministry of Agriculture AB Neigi who is currently stationed at Imphal to supervise the preventive measures being taken up by the State Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department informed that test results of the samples sent to the high security Animal Diseases Laboratory, Bhopal may be available by Sunday.

Neigi who led the Rapid Response Team during the outbreak of avian influenza in Nagpur, stated that it cannot be ascertained as yet whether the large scale of deaths of chickens at a farm in Imphal was pathogenic or non-pathogenic.

Collection of samples from chickens and ducks from within the 5 km radius of the affected farm may be completed today, he said adding that the Health authority is also monitoring the health of the chicken farmers working in the farm.

Following the sudden death of a large number of chickens, an official of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases is also camping at Imphal.

Briefing media persons at his office chamber today afternoon, Director of the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department Th Dorendra informed that more than 200 nasal and cloacal samples have been sent to Bhopal and the National Institute of Virology, Pune under the care of a doctor today.

Stating that consumption of chicken does not pose any health risk, the Director appealed to the people to informed the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department if there is any case of sudden death of chicken and other fowls.

He further said that surveillance has been put within the 15 kms radius of the affected farm by posting officials of the Department.

The chickens which perished last week were bought from the Govt Poultry Farm located at Mantripukhri, said Dorendra while adding that there is no such report for chickens bought from other hatcheries.

To a query, the Director disclosed that two carcases of chickens were also sent to Bhopal along with the samples sent there earlier.

In the meantime, 1000 personal protection kits were brought to Imphal today.

Nevertheless, he asserted that the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department and other Departments have made all preparations to face any eventuality in case avian flu breaks out in the State.

Joint Commissioner AB Neigi who is leaving for Kohima tomorrow said that the Centre is prepared to extend logistic support and other necessary assistance to the State if the samples are tested positive.

He informed that three day regional workshop on avian influenza will be held at Kolkata from July 26 and it will be attended by officials concerned of all the Northeastern States among others.

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