Friday, March 17 2006 14:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: There are no reports of any human cases of Avian Influenza in the country, Rajya Sabha was informed today(Mar 17,2006).

Death of poultry had been reported from Navapur Taluka of District Nandurbar, Maharashtra and Uchchal Tehsil of Surat District in Gujarat, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Oanabaka Lakshmi said in a written reply.

A series of strategic actions were initiated immediately on confirmation of Avian Influenza, she said adding that contingency plans have been put into operation.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has deputed its Rapid Response Teams to Maharashtra and Gujarat who were in the field and assisted the state Health authorities in carrying out active surveillance to identify suspected cases among those in contact with infected poultry.

"Adequate quantity of Tamilflu and personal protective equipments were made available to both the states to meet the requirement," Lakshmi said.

On March, 14, 2006, the department of Animal Husbandry notified outbreak of Avian Influenza in Hated Village ofChopda Taluka, Sawada Village of Raver Taluka, Salva Village of Dharangaon Taluka and Marul Village of Yuval Taluka of Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, she said.

The Animal Husbandry department has initiated control and containment operations within 10km radius of the four villages and Rapid Response Teams of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the state government are in the field of carrying out active house to house surveillance and information, education and communication strategies.