What has happened to India at the end of the year? We are getting disastrous news only. While almost throughout the year we have been unhappy witness to series of bomb blasts along with economic recession in the entire globe, we have come to know that the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) has come to the fore again. This is something very strange but we have nothing to do except accepting the reality. What’s more striking is that all these have happened only three weeks after India declared itself to be free from the sway of bird flu.

It has been learnt that the lethal disease has restored itself with full force in Kamrup district of Assam. The responsible officials of the Government of India have regarded this as one of the most unfortunate incidents in this year but India had no other way expect informing the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) about the occurrence of the disease. The consequence is also quite tragic as it has robed India of its bird flu-free status. What is the criterion of this status? It is essential that the concerned country should be free from the clutch of this perilous disease for at least three months.

Well, the government, without a doubt, has been working wholeheartedly. It has already taken all forms of precautionary measures with persistent determination and clear objective. For instance the samples that were collected from the Rajabazar village in Assam were sent to the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory in Bhopal without delay. All samples have been tested positive for H5 strain of Avian Influenza. This indicates that India may have to face a great deal of dangers if adequate measures are not taken. 20 Rapid Action Teams have already been employed to deal with the issue firmly and to undertake the culling operations at the earliest.

It is found that the State government has stamped about 40,000 poultry or domestic fowl up to now and is determined to end the culling operation shortly.

But this cannot be the end of the story. What makes this poisonous disease return? The government must find out and exterminate it. It is known that culling is done as stated by the Action Plan of Animal Husbandry for Preparedness, Control and Containment. But, if the government fails to find out and eliminate the basic reason, this will continue endlessly.