PRAYAGRAJ, Aug. 20 -- In response to recent cases of bird flu detected at poultry farms in Rampur, the veterinary department in Prayagraj has stepped up precautionary measures to prevent any potential outbreak within the district. Chief veterinary officer (CVO) Dr SN Yadav confirmed that eight rapid response teams (RRTs) have been constituted to monitor and manage any suspected bird flu cases. Simultaneously, veterinary staff across all 50 government-run veterinary hospitals in the district have been instructed to maintain clinical surveillance of poultry farms within their jurisdictions. "Any instance of mass bird deaths, sudden health deterioration in birds, or the presence of migratory birds is being closely monitored," Dr Yadav stated. "Given that the district witnesses the arrival and departure of migratory birds between September and March, we will be keeping a vigilant eye on both their activity and any associated symptoms observed in local birds over the next six months." Approximately, 6 lakh birds are currently housed across 200 poultry farms in the district. To aid in managing the situation, a dedicated control room has been established, equipped with a helpline number - 9450647198. The CVO urged bird owners and poultry farmers to report any unusual behaviour or health concerns in birds directly to the nearest government veterinary hospital or the control room. "All veterinary doctors and staff have been directed to remain alert, monitor bird health closely, and submit stool and blood samples of any birds showing signs of illness for testing," he added. In a further preventative move, all cow shelters in the district are also being disinfected as a precautionary measure against the spread of the avian influenza virus....