Gangtok, Feb 24: An alert was sounded across Sikkim following the detection of Avian Influenza (H5N1) cases, prompting the state government to issue an urgent advisory calling for strict surveillance, immediate reporting of bird deaths and full public cooperation to prevent further spread of the virus.
The Government of Sikkim circulated detailed instructions to all district administrations, directing them to intensify monitoring, raise public awareness and enforce preventive measures in affected and vulnerable areas. The advisory was issued after reports of Bird Flu cases emerged from multiple districts, placing health and veterinary departments on high alert.
Officials clarified that Avian Influenza, commonly known as Bird Flu, is a viral disease that primarily affects birds, particularly poultry. In rare cases, the infection can spread to humans through close contact with infected birds, their droppings or contaminated surfaces. The Health and Family Welfare Department, in coordination with the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant.
The administration stressed that early reporting of unusual bird deaths was crucial to containing the outbreak. Residents were instructed not to handle sick or dead birds with bare hands and to immediately report any sudden illness or death among poultry or wild birds to the nearest Veterinary Officer, Block Development Officer, Panchayat office or district authorities.
Health officials outlined possible symptoms in humans, including fever, cough, sore throat, breathing difficulties, fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhoea and conjunctivitis. Individuals experiencing such symptoms, especially after handling poultry, were advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health centre.
As part of preventive measures, authorities directed that chicken and eggs must be thoroughly cooked at temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius and warned against consuming raw or undercooked poultry products. Citizens were also advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling poultry or visiting live bird markets.
Specific guidelines were issued for poultry farmers and handlers, who were instructed to isolate suspected birds immediately and suspend the movement of birds, eggs, feed and equipment from affected areas. Full cooperation with veterinary teams during inspections, sample collection, culling operations, surveillance drives and sanitisation measures was made mandatory. The advisory warned that concealing information regarding poultry illness or deaths would attract strict legal action.
In addition, the sale, purchase and transportation of poultry from affected zones would be regulated in accordance with official protocols. The disposal of dead birds in open fields, forests or water bodies was strictly prohibited to prevent environmental contamination and curb the spread of the virus.
