There has been a significant drop in the number of bird flu outbreaks in the country, according to records maintained with the National Centre for Animal Health. Last year, only a single case was reported compared to six cases in 2012. The decrease has been attributed to effective surveillance since the first outbreak in 2010.
The last bird flu outbreak reported was in Gelegphu in January last year. Since then, no outbreak has been reported.
Dr. Kinzang Dukpa from the National Centre for Animal Health, said apart from poultry, no outbreak of bird flu in human has been detected so far in the country. “Whenever there’s an outbreak of avian influenza across the border in the neighbouring countries, we impose strict regulations along the border in terms of regulating the flow of poultry and poultry products into the country.” Dr. Kinzang Dukpa also said they strengthen surveillance activities, especially in the high risk areas like places where the density of poultry population is high and the bordering towns. “So maybe because of that, it is paying us dividends in terms of reduced number of outbreaks in the past one year.”
He also said the center will not be complacent and added that the surveillance to control the disease will continue.
Meanwhile, since the outbreak of another avian influenza H7N9 in China last year, various preparedness and response strategies are being put in place to prevent the outbreak of the disease in the country. Among many, the most recent is the two-day sensitization workshop on the disease for livestock officials conducted in Phuentshogling.
Dr. Jambay Dorjee from the National Centre for Animal Health said so far no outbreak of H7N9 in the country has been reported.
He also said the center is prepared in case of an outbreak with surveillance already underway and diagnostic facilities at the laboratory equipped.
Meanwhile, the sensitisation workshop, with participants from across the country ended today.
