Karnataka: Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner bans supply of poultry from Kerala

MANGALURU: In the wake of bird flu spread in Kerala, Dakshina Kannada district administration has imposed a ban on supply of poultry products from the neighbouring state.
Meanwhile, all vehicles supplying poultry products from Karnataka to Kerala via check posts of Dakshina Kannada district will have to be disinfected before returning to the state. Deputy commissioner Dr K V Rajendra said, “We need to take precautions since bird flu (H5N8) is being reported in Kerala, but people need not panic here.”
Transportation of all types of poultry products from Kerala to Karnataka has been banned.Meanwhile, all vehicles transporting poultry products from Karnataka to Kerala and vehicles from Kerala arriving here for purchase of poultry products will have to be sanitized at the check posts itself. Vehicles should not be allowed to enter Karnataka if it was found unhygienic, the DC said.
He also directed officials to take all necessary preparations to disinfect vehicles carrying poultry vehicles at the check posts.
“All poultry farms, bird sanctuaries and water bodies in the district should be monitored. Owners of the poultry farms should take necessary precautions to check the possibilities of bird flu virus spread. They should not allow people inside their farms unnecessarily. Further, farm owners should inform the nearest veterinary dispensaries if they find symptoms of bird flu. Vehicles transporting feeds also should be sprayed with disinfectants (2% Sodium Hypochlorite, Virkon-s, B904, Khorsolin). Meanwhile, officials from the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services should visit farms and do the needful,” Rajendra said.