Monday, August 1 2005 20:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: With outbreaks of bird flu already reported in several neighbouring countries and fears of emergence of a human-to-human transmitting strain getting strengthened, Centre today (August 1, 2005) decided to work out a preparedness plan to counter any eventuality.

"A joint monitoring group has been set up under the Director General of Health Services. The group will now be expanded," Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said here at a National Level Consultation Meeting on influenza preparedness.

"We have also decided to set up sub-groups under the joint monitoring group, to look into various issues of preparedness such as vaccines, prevention and emergency situation," he said, adding, "The monitoring group would set up a task force which would meet every three to four months."

The meeting was also attended by officials from Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, public health experts and World Health Organisation.

The group would advise the Government on laying down a strategy to prevent bird flu from entering the country and respond in case of any eventuality, he said.

The strategy would involve acquiring capability to produce vaccine in large scale, drug preparedness and monitoring of migratory birds.

Currently there was no strain reported, to have the capability, to transmit from humans to humans, he said.

Animal Husbandry Department would keep a vigil on migratory birds, which come to Indian bird sanctuaries, for any symptoms of bird flu, he said.