Monitoring Wildlife Habitats in Khodabandeh to Prevent Avian Flu

Zanjan – The head of the Veterinary Office of Khodabandeh County announced continuous monitoring of wildlife habitats, dams, and migratory bird gathering areas in the county to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

According to the report of Ambassador Arjan Ismail Mansouri, referring to the implementation of the joint monitoring operation of veterinary and environmental protection experts in the natural habitats of this city, he stated: This operation was carried out on October 19 in order to prevent the spread of livestock and common diseases between humans and animals and timely identification of possible centers of contamination.

Emphasizing on the increase in health sensitivities in the second half of the year and at the same time as the migration of water birds to the natural habitats and water sources of the city, he added: Migratory wild birds can play a role in the transmission cycle of the super-acute bird flu virus; Therefore, continuous monitoring of water sources and surrounding areas is of particular importance for timely identification of suspicious cases and prevention of possible disease transmission to local and industrial poultry.

Referring to the areas under surveillance, the head of Khodabande County Veterinary Department stated: Qezaluzen River, Qanli Dam, and Mahmoodabad Dam are among the sensitive areas of the city that are continuously monitored with the cooperation of veterinary and environmental experts.

Mansouri continued: The villages located on the edge of these habitats are also under an active surveillance program so that in case any unusual casualties or suspicious signs of disease are observed, the necessary measures for investigation, sampling and implementation of control and quarantine measures will be carried out in the shortest possible time.

He warned about the dangers caused by the pathogenic strains of the bird flu virus, including H5 and H7, and emphasized the need to follow health recommendations and said: Citizens should avoid catching and hunting wild birds and any direct contact with sick or dead birds.

The head of Khodabande County Veterinary Department asked people to refrain from touching or moving the carcasses in case of unusual and suspicious bird deaths and to inform the Veterinary Department as soon as possible through the 1512 telephone system so that specialized investigations and necessary health measures can be carried out.

In the end, Mansoori considered the observance of biosecurity principles as one of the most important ways to prevent the entry and spread of disease in poultry breeding units and noted that: owners of industrial poultry farms and native poultry breeders must strictly observe health and quarantine regulations, minimize unnecessary visits to breeding units and prevent any possible contact of poultry with wild birds.

He emphasized: The cooperation of citizens, poultry industry activists and responsible agencies, along with the continuation of field monitoring, plays an important role in early identification of suspicious cases and reducing the risk of possible spread of super acute bird flu.