CM Oommen Chandy says flu under control, farmers to be compensated

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Sunday confirmed that bird flu had been brought under control and so far it was not transmitted to humans.

The Chief Minister had called a review meeting which was attended by Health Minister V.S. Sivakumar, other officials of health, animal husbandry and home departments, secretaries and senior officials.

Blood samples from 3.5 lakh people were tested and the results turned out to be negative. Culling was completed in Kottayam district, but it was still on in Alappuzha.

The meeting decided to give compensation to those duck farmers who had lost 20,000 ducks even before culling was officially initiated in Alappuzha district.

“Around 2.5 lakh ducks were affected and so far 1,82,469 of them were culled. Culling will be completed by Monday.

All general hospitals including medical colleges in Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts have adequate supply of medicines and personal protection kits.

Duck eggs have been hatched in various hatcheries and the Government has decided to give Rs 5 for each egg and the ducklings”, said Oommen Chandy.

A one-time special allowance of Rs 500 for each Asha worker has been sanctioned by the Government for their meritorious work in containing bird flu.

An action plan has been planned to bring bird flu under control and grama panchayats and municipalities have been granted Rs 1 lakh to meet the expenses incurred due to the outbreak of bird flu.

“More than 30,820 tablets and 225 syrups were received from Rajasthan which have been sent to the respective hospitals in the three districts.

Bird flu has been confirmed in Chennithala and fortunately, it has not spread to other districts apart from the three already infected”, said Health Minister Sivakumar.

Another review meeting will also be held on Monday at the Secretariat to discuss the fear that the virus is likely to spread through water.