Moreh, April 22: Following the outbreak of bird flu in Sagiyang and Mandalay of the neighbouring country of Myanmar and as a part of stringent measures taken up by Sub-Divisional Veterinary Hospital of Moreh to prevent spread of the disease across the border, an awareness camp on the highly pathogenic avian influenza was held today at Citizen Welfare Club, Moreh.

Today's function was attended by Moreh ADC Th Chote as chief guest, ex-Commissioner of Moreh Small Town Committee Th Babudhon as president, vice-president of Meetei Council Moreh L Tomba and OC of Moreh police station L Chandramani as guests of honour.

Addressing the camp bacteriology specialist Dr P Rajendro disclosed that none of the 620 blood samples collected from different parts of the State including Moreh have been found positive.

Avian influenza is caused by three varieties of virus bred from H 16 and N 9 types and they are highly pathogenic causing even human casualty, observed Rajendro.

Recalling the outbreak of the disease in the neighbouring Myanmar, he cautioned that the people of Moreh need to be extra alert on account of the close proximity of the town with Myanmar.

If the Super virus inherent in mankind and the avian flu causing virus procreates another type of virus, the lives of human would be in an even greater peril, remarked the specialist.

Speaking on the occasion, Disease specialist Dr K Gopal informed that stools and excreta of infected birds like ducks and hens contain huge number of the virus which infects other unaffected birds within a few seconds.

Breathing difficulty, body severing, and paralysis followed by death are some of the symptoms of avian flu infection, mentioned Gopal.

Dr Ng Ibotombi also spoke on the topic 'Guidelines on bird flu'.

Speaking on the occasion, chief guest Th Chote observed that organisation of such a camp at this juncture is quite opportune and called upon the people not to put all the burden of fighting the disease to the Veterinary Dept alone but to join themselves in the fight.

He also appealed to the community leaders to take up the task of disseminating information and awareness about bird flu to the common people.

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