The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE spread of avian influenza, also called bird flu, has assumed such alarming proportions that the very existence of the poultry industry is now at stake. With every passing day, the disease is spreading fast to newer areas of the country. According to media reports, about five thousand chickens, ducks and pigeons have been culled in Dinajpur town after bird flu was detected in the area. Over 7000 birds and more than two thousand eggs were destroyed in the southern districts of Patuakhali and Barguna. In view of the situation, the administrations of Patuakhali and Barguna declared the districts bird flu affected areas. To resist further spread of the disease they have started awareness campaign to inform the people of the disease. According to latest media reports, the bird flu virus has also been detected in the districts of Rajshahi, Rangpur and Jessore. Official sources have been quoted as saying that over 35,000 fowls had been culled following bird flu outbreaks in the districts.

This rapid spread of the disease indicates that the situation has worsened and poses a serious threat to public health. It is not for the first time that bird flu has assumed such a proportion. Till December 2007 avian influenza virus was detected in 68 farms on 20 districts. The quick reappearance of the disease underscores the need to respond to it with all seriousness. But that is not the whole picture. The disease has taken an unexpected turn. It had so long been confined to domestic birds. But now bird flu has acquired to a new dimension. About 150 crows died in Patuakhali in a couple of days. On laboratory tests the cause was diagnosed as bird flu. Over 400 crows died during the same period in Dinajpur town. Spread of the disease to these wild birds has created a greater risk of quicker spread of the flu from one area to another. It has also complicated the fight against the disease.

Bangladesh is under a serious threat due to another reason. Avian influenza earlier spread to a number of districts in West Bengal, India having common border with Bangladesh. A potential threat thus looms over the northern and western districts of Bangladesh. The authorities should, therefore, take all necessary precautionary measures. The border security forces have been put on alert to prevent entry of poultry birds from India. Surveillance at the border must be maintained strictly. According to the FAO Veterinary Office, avian influenza crisis is far from over and still remains particularly worrying in Bangladesh, Egypt and Indonesia. The latest development with the disease in and around the country confirms this. A comprehensive plan enlisting the participation of all the concerned departments to fight the disease and prevent it from spreading further should be in place right now. Mass awareness programme should be spread all over the country so-that all people know how to protect themselves from infection by the bird flu virus.