The Hindu Business Line : Cage the confusion

THE MAHARASHTRA GOVERNMENT'S response to the reported bird flu incident could easily be a case of locking the stables after the horses have bolted. Initial statements from the State administration had it that the birds died of Ranikhet disease (affecting the bird's nervous system), and now they aver it is bird flu. And if indeed it is bird flu, and not Ranikhet disease, then some affected birds may have already been transported to other States. If it is not, as the poultry industry claims, then how did the Ranikhet disease diagnosis become bird flu?

The Maharashtra Government's announcement of the arrival of the winged fear has triggered panic among consumers, concern in the poultry industry and confusion in the scientific community. The State obviously has not learnt from mistakes made by the Centre which had bumbled over the definition of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in 2003. The first incidence of SARS reported in India, increased dramatically from one to 20 cases in just two weeks. But with a little help from the World Health Organisation, the Union Health Ministry did a volte face and brought the incidence back to zero and declared India a SARS-free country. What the governments in the State and at the Centre need to realise is that reporting such incidents as SARS or bird-flu in haste can be extremely damaging for the country and, of course, the poultry industry. The needless culling of chicken can destroy the livelihood of small poultry farmers. Like the SARS experience, it would be good for every one if reports of bird flu turn out to be false.

Yet the poultry industry, it would seem, is in a state of denial. Its assertion that there is no bird flu in the country relies on the initial inferences of government laboratories, but not the latest finding that it is indeed bird flu. Undoubtedly the stakes are high for the industry; already neighbouring countries have clamped down on imports of poultry from India, and prices have crashed even in the domestic market as frightened consumers keep off. But that cannot be ground for pooh-poohing what could be a real threat. A more responsible response is called for especially because it involves the health of millions of consumers.

As for the Centre, even as it advises consumers on how to fry eggs or cook chicken, what it should do on a war-footing is improve the transportation, stocking and handling of livestock. Not just in the interest of the health of the bird, but also the people handling it. Consumers also need to be cautioned about transmission of the disease from the point of sale, that is, poultry markets where people could come in contact with live chicken, their feathers and droppings. The Government has roped in drug companies to stock the medicines required in the event of a bird flu outbreak, such as oseltamivir. But they also need to scale up diagnostic laboratories, procure protective gear such as gloves, masks and aprons. And in the interest of the Government's credibility, State and Central authorities need to get their facts right and speak in one voice to its people.

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