H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak in Karnataka

INDIA - Officials are saying that the outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been "nipped in the bud".

With reports about the detection of avian influenza (bird flu) at the Central Poultry Development Organisation (CPDO) near Hessarghatta here, the State Health Department has stepped up vigil against the dreaded infection, reports The Hindu.
Calling upon people not to panic as the flu was only at the bird stage, M. Madan Gopal, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, told The Hindu on 26 October that "the flu that had made its presence known in a bird a fortnight ago was nipped in the bud".

"While there is no need to panic as the situation is not alarming, we want to assure people that the department is prepared to handle any emergency. We have adequate stocks of Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate), the medicine for flu," he said.
"Our doctors will conduct daily medical check-up of those who are involved in the culling operations. We have already started giving them prophylactic doses of Tamiflu as a preventive measure," Mr Madan Gopal said.