Srinagar, Jan 14 : Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday extended by four more days the ban on import of poultry as bird flu spreads in many states of India. “In continuation of the government order no. 09-ASH of 20121 dated 07-01-2021 and in exercise of the powers conferred under contagious Disease Act, 2009, the ban imposed on import of live birds including poultry and unprocessed poultry meat for any purpose into J&K shall continue to remain operative till January 18,” reads a Government order “The decision will be reviewed based on the evolving situation,” the order by Navin K Choudhary, Principal Secretary to Government, added. The order comes as the administration continues to maintain that there is no cases of bird flu or avian influenza in the J&K so far even as it urged people not to panic or stop using poultry products. The administration has already issued an advisory to poultry owners and dealers for the prevention of the spread of the disease.The advisory, issued by the Animal/Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Department to stakeholders, directed the poultry farmers to improve bio-security measures in the farms and not allow any artificial ponds, small water bodies inside and around the farm premises which may attract wild birds and is a risk to the poultry.Keep the farm premises and shed surroundings vegetation-free. Regularly clean the areas. Keep feed supplies and water for poultry protected as they attract wild birds and rodents, it said.
