Imphal, February 26: With spread of bird flu from Maharastra to other States of the country gaining momentum, the State Government has stepped up its preventive measures.

Apart from the ongoing campaign to sensitise the people, a joint meeting of the officials of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Forest and Environment and Health Departments was held yesterday.

The meeting chaired by Commissioner of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry decided to discuss the matter at the Chief Minister's level so that comprehensive preventive measures could be started.

The meeting also discussed distribution of the required medicines like Tamiflu, etc among the poultry farmers to check the spread of the virus among the chicken and ducks being reared side by side with stepping up the awareness campaign among poultry farmers and general public.

According to information received from the State Health Department, arrangements have been made to administer the required medicines within 48 hours in case the strain of the bird flu affect human being in Manipur.

Moreover, the Department has written to the Centre to provide other relevant protective equipments to combat the spread of the dreaded disease.

It may be noted here that Veterinary experts are monitoring and checking the poultry products being brought inside Manipur through the three National Highways and at the Airport.

.