The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Tuesday (Jan 12) directed the Livestock Department to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of bird flu (H5N1).
Due to the recent outbreak of bird flu in neighbouring India, the ministry came up with the directives in a letter sent to the Livestock Department, local media reported citing a ministry press release.
In the letter, the Livestock Department has been asked to detect H5N1 cases every day and take precautionary measures in all districts, including border areas, of the country, and ensure intensive supervision at both public and private farms.
At the same time, instructions have been given to the department to collect H5N1 samples and test those quickly at the nearest laboratories if any dead or suspicious poultry or bird is found.
The ministry also asked the department to take further action according to the test results.
The department has also been instructed to ensure the supply of test kits and PPE at district and upazila level veterinary hospitals and biosafety at farms, and introduce a control room for collecting data on bird flu from different parts of the country.
