Admn pulls up socks to counter swine flu

As a precautionary measure,UT Finance Secretary Sanjay Kumar has directed the Animal Husbandry department to keep a close watch on poultry birds to trace any symptoms of avian influenza. This will also ensure sampling of birds/ poultry deaths,if any,at the poultry farm.

Besides,the department has been told to ensure that piggeries in Chandigarh closely monitor the health of the animals (pigs),and act fast if any symptoms like conjunctivitis,coughing and severe bronchopneumonia are detected.

The Chief Medical Officer at Chandigarh airport has been asked to keep a tab and conduct thorough screening of the passengers coming from the affected areas and showing swine flu-like symptoms. The Medical Officer of the Municipal Corporation has also been asked to implement the piggery by-laws and ensure that pigs are not allowed in the city. Similarly,slaughtering of pigs will also be screened by the Superintendent,Slaughter House,to take precautionary measures in case the pigs seem to have some illness.

About 75 medical officers are proposed to be enrolled for a three-day orientation/training for epidemic preparedness and response in three batches in May,June and July. All major hospitals in Chandigarh have been directed to ensure sufficient stocks of anti-viral drugs for treatment,protective equipment and critical care equipment,including isolation wards.

Dr A B S Kohli,joint director,Animal Husbandry,UT,said the department has formed four Rapid Response Teams to meet the challenge,each team comprising five members headed by a veterinary doctor.