The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE spread of bird flu to different corners of the country has increased the urgency of measures to cope with the menace that has adversely affected the poultry sector. Reportedly, about five lakh chickens, ducks and pigeons from 179 poultry farms under 37 districts have been culled since March 2007. Culling of birds in farms infected or suspected to be infected with avian influenza was urgent to check the disease from assuming dangerous proportions and to prevent human infections. As a result, many farms have sustained huge financial loss. Poultry is an important sector of the agricultural economy. It serves as an important source of employment and income for a large number of people. Some farmers have achieved financial solvency through poultry farming.

It is learnt from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock that so far Tk 1.27 crore has been distributed as compensation among the poultry farm owners who suffered losses. This support is however, too small. The government should take up a comprehensive plan to protect the sector from collapse. Mass awareness about bird flu and some simple but effective measures are essential to avoid further spread of the disease. In spite of the spread of the flu, there is no reason to panic. Proper cooking of chickens and eggs at 70C temperature and above makes them safe for human consumption. Use of gloves and masks while dressing chickens is another effective way to prevent the spread. To reduce or stop handling of live chickens with bare hands, marketing of processed chickens has been suggested. This may help restrict human infection. Measures should be taken also to make sure that dishonest sections of traders cannot supply infected or dead chickens to the market, as such cases were reported in the past.

Raising of mass awareness is vital in guarding against further spread of bird flu and preventing human infection. People must know the mode of transmission of the disease and the measures needed to prevent the same. They must have correct idea about safe handling of live chickens. Indiscriminate disposal of poultry wastes is a potential cause of spread of the disease. Crows are suspected to have been infected through this mode. If equipped with proper knowledge about the disease and ways of preventing its infection, people would be free from panic. Both the farm owners and the consumers need to be made aware of the safe processing of poultry birds and disposal of their wastes.