30 Arpil 2009
Pune, India
As part of efforts to contain the swine flu virus, the state animal husbandry department is gearing up to launch a massive check-up drive at piggeries across the state in the next two days.
The 3,000–odd veterinary doctors in the state have been told to be on standby to carry out check–ups at piggeries and of stray pigs. “We will launch the effort as soon as we receive guidelines from the centre on the procedures to be followed during check–ups,” additional commissioner of the state animal husbandry department Vasant Ramteke said. The guidelines are expected by April 30, he added.
Ramteke further said that, if directed, the department will also collect serum samples from pigs. The central government may provide kits to carry out serum tests.
Meanwhile, state director of health, D S Dakhure, said a central government team will visit the Mumbai international airport to study the situation. “Since the Pune airport does not have direct flights from Mexico and the other flu–affected countries, the team will not be paying a visit to the city,” said Dakhure.
Officials at the National Institute of Virology said there is no reason to panic as no swine flu case has been detected in the country so far. “The government is taking adequate steps to ensure that the machinery is in place. But that doesn’t mean that people should start panicking.”
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