Friday, December 23 2005 14:02 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet was informed of the contingency plan to be undertaken by the Health Ministry in the event of an outbreak of Avian Influenza in the country.

The Cabinet, which met last night, was told that steps such as surveillance of the local community, multi-disciplinary rapid response teams by National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD).

Laboratory preparedness for quick testing of samples and logistic and supplies were taken.

The contingency plan0of the Health Ministry would deal with detection of avian flu in birds and detection of avian flu in humans, an official release said today.

In both situations, the Rapid Response Teams from NICD would get mobilized.

In case of avian flu in a bird, the action would be confined to survey of the local community and monitoring the health parameters of the cullers and the supporting STCFF as well as the workers in the farm.

"However, if there was a human case of avian flu then all clinical management protocols would be operationalised and the patient would be isolated in an appropriately equipped hospital, "it said.