Authorities on avian flu alert as migratory birds arrive
Authorities on avian flu alert as migratory birds arrive in the UAE
Dubai: With the start of the migratory bird season, the authorities have become vigilant to monitor the situation to prevent bird flu related cases from entering the country.
A fresh wave of bird flu related cases in Asia has once again forced the authorities concerned to be on their toes. In the latest case, the avian virus infected a farmer in China and killed an Indonesian teenager.
According to the World Health Organisation statistics, H5N1 strain of bird flu virus has infected 263 people in 10 countries since 2003 killing 157.
"We did not relax at all despite the fact that there has been no reported bird flu case in the UAE," said Dr Hesham Ahmad Fahmi, Head of the Veterinary Section at the Dubai Municipality.
He said the special committee of the municipality, which works in coordination with the UAE's National Emergency Committee on Bird Flu, monitors the situation regularly.
The municipality inspectors regularly check poultry and bird shops in the emirate, take blood samples to conduct avian virus (H5N1) tests.
"The veterinary section has conducted laboratory tests on a number of birds found sick or dead but all were tested negative," said Dr Fahmi.
He said inspectors and private bird watchers monitor migratory birds at the wildlife sanctuary and public parks in addition to daily inspections of poultry farms and shops.
Migratory birds have been main cause of concern for officials. "But this year, we have received much lesser number of birds probably due to mild winter in the CIS and European countries," Dr Fahmi said.
He advised residents to keep their pet birds and chickens well protected and do not let them mix with wild birds.
He said people should avoid feeding town pigeons to avert any contamination. "Residents should not be worried even if they find any dead bird. They should call our emergency number and our inspectors will reach the spot to dispose off the bird properly after conducting necessary tests," he said.
More than twenty-five thousand birds can be seen only in Ras Al Khor Sanctuary in Dubai in January. Some other sanctuaries in the UAE where people and migratory birds live in close contact include: Al Warsen Lakes in Dubai, the Khor Al Beidah Lagoon in Umm Al Quwain, the oasis city Al Ain and islands along the coasts of the Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.
WARNING SIGNS
Public advised to be on guard
Precautionary measures
- Do not feed pigeons on streets, parks, lawns and in balconies
- Keep your pet birds inside the house avoid interaction with wild birds
- Do not keep bird feed in open
- Take proper hygiene measures in handling birds and cleaning their droppings.
- Do not buy birds without knowing their origin.
- Keep your birds far away from wild birds and poultry as possible.
Watch out for these symptoms in birds
- Sudden death without reason
- Loss of appetite
- Shows breathing disorder
- Swelling and purple colouration on the head and eyelids
- Swelling and bleeding from the skin of the legs
- Lack of energy
- Has decreased egg production
If your pet bird shows any of the symptoms listed, take it the veterinarian immediately and also call the hotline 8009990, 04-2232323 and 04-2891114
- Source: National Committee for Emergency Response on Bird Flu
The government of the UAE must be hailed for its efforts to keep bird flu out of the country. Continued efforts like these will ensure the protection of all people and birds in the country. I would like to thank Gulf News for publishing the symptoms of bird flu. Such information will help all bird owners to take necessary steps to safeguard their pets.
Foad
London,United Kingdom
