Checking Influenza H1N1

Doctors Put At International Airport

Even though Pune authorities say that there is no fear of swine flu, which is now called Influenza A (H1N1) spreading in Pune, the government does not want to take any chance. A team of doctors is put up at the Pune International Airport. It is expected that all persons coming from America, Canada, Mexico will be checked for the infection.

According to J. P. Mathur, director of Pune airport, a team of doctor from central governments health scheme was present at the airport from May 1. Now the team from Sate government has been appointed at the airport. The team will be working in various shifts round the clock at the airport.

Dr. P D Adling, who is a part of the team told, “At present we have a team of 10 doctors, 12 nursing staff and 4 servants who will be examining the suspects. As there are cases from America, Canada and Mexico our focus is on foreigners. While boarding the international flight all the passengers are given a form in which they have to fill up the details of their health.

Meanwhile, the central government has directed all state governments to carry out checks for Swine Flu infections. As a part of prohibitive steps, it has been suggested all the poultries and pig farms in the state should be registered with Animal Husbandry department rather than agriculture department. This will enable the department to carry out routine checks on the animals.

However, the proposal is not new. It was put up three years ago when the Bird Flu hit India in 2006. Vasant Ramteke, additional commissioner of Animal Husbandry department told Pune Mirror, “A committee is being formed in this regard. The new rules for the registration of the poultries and pig farms will be framed based on the recommendation of the committee.”

Meanwhile, the central government has issued directions to all state governments with regard to measures against Swine Flu. This includes checking the places where pet and stray pigs are found. The abattoirs will also be checked by the department. On asked whether the piggeries are registered in the state with Animal Husbandry department, Ramteke said that pork consumed in the state come mostly from local breed. “Mostly a group of about 10 to 15 pigs are reared. It is not organised in the profession manner. Hence, there is no question of registering the piggeries,” he said.

Local officials have rejected the idea of any threat of Influenza A (H1N1). According to the Pune Municipal Corporation officials, hardly any imported pork is consumed in Pune. Therefore the the risk is minimal.